Variable angle blade augment

ABSTRACT

A variable angle blade augment including an augment component and a blade component. The blade component includes a buttress portion and a neck portion, with the neck portion having a body segment and a face segment that is contoured for mating engagement with an outer surface of the acetabular shell. The augment component has a first opening sized and shaped to receive insertion of the body segment, and which is also sized to accommodate selective adjustment of, when the body segment is positioned in the first opening, linear and angular orientations of the blade component relative to the augment component. Additionally, the body segment has a length that is sized to facilitate direct contact of the face segment with the acetabular shell when the variable angle blade augment is in an assembled configuration. Further, cement can be injected into the internal cavity to unitize the connection between the acetabular shell and the blade component.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 15/026,778 filed Apr. 1, 2016, which is a U.S.National Phase of International PCT Application No. PCT/US2015/062649filed Nov. 25, 2015, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional PatentApplication No. 62/084,919 filed Nov. 26, 2014, the contents of eachapplication hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.

BACKGROUND

Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to the field ofimplantable orthopedic medical devices. More particularly, but notexclusively, embodiments of the present invention relate to implants forrevision acetabular surgery.

Joints often undergo degenerative changes that necessitate replacing thejoint with a prosthetic joint. For example, the hip joint may bereplaced with two bearing surfaces between the femoral head and theacetabulum. The first bearing surface is often a prosthesis shell oracetabular cup having a liner that provides an inner bearing surfacethat receives and cooperates with an artificial femoral head in anarticulating relationship to track and accommodate relative movementbetween the femur and the acetabulum.

In at least some instances, a second or subsequent surgery may beperformed to replace a prosthetic joint with another replacementprosthetic joint. Such replacement of the original prosthetic joint maybe performed for a number of reasons including, for example, the need toremove diseased or degenerated bone. Further, these additional surgeriesoften require the replacement of the original prostheses with a largeror enhanced prosthetic joint, often referred to as a revisionprosthesis. With respect to acetabular revision surgery, an acetabularprosthesis may include additional mounting elements such as, forexample, augments that provide additional support and/or stability forthe replacement prosthesis. These additional mounting or attachmentmembers are often required due to bone degeneration, bone loss or bonedefects in the affected area (i.e., the hip joint). Moreover, such bonedeficiencies or defects often present challenges in attaining optimizedand structurally sound prosthetic fixation to the host bone.Accordingly, mounting members may be provided in conjunction with aprosthesis system in order to aid the surgeon in achieving optimalfixation of the prosthetic joint, or a component of the prostheticjoint, to a bone of the patient.

Prior attempts to provide such mounting attachments (i.e., augments)with modularity have often fallen short, and instead typically provide afew discrete positions at which the mounting members may be positioned.For example, an ongoing challenge is to align implantable medicaldevices such as, for example, reconstructive devices, to the naturalphysiology of a patient. Proper alignment often may at least assist inattaining optimal wear resistance and optimal performance for manydevices. Yet, patient anatomical variations present challenges inproviding a medical device that may be properly aligned for eachpatient. For example, contemporary medical devices that address complexrevision acetabular surgery may include multiple buttress augmentdesigns that are dedicated for supporting particular sides or areas ofthe acetabular cup. Yet, the buttress surface of augments is typicallyshaped or contoured along a fixed angle or angles. Further, such fixedangles often provide an optimal match for the variations for only somepatients' anatomies, and may not allow for an optimal match with otherpatients' anatomies.

Limitations relating to the available angles at which augment devicesmay be aligned, as well as augment devices having separated hand ororientation designations, among other limitations, often provideobstacles to both the installation and cost of these types ofimplantable medical devices. For example, medical implants that areprovided in multiple directional or hand orientations may add complexityto the surgical procedure. Moreover, the time associated with at leastthe selection and confirmation that the correct hand side configurationof the medical device has been selected for implantation in a patientmay reduce the time available to the surgeon to attain proper alignmentand/or positioning of all of components of the medical device during theimplantation procedure. Additionally, different hand configurations mayincrease the costs associated with procuring, storing, and/or otherwisehaving readily available an appropriate quantity of implantable devices.Moreover, the time and effort during surgery to properly match the fixedangles of buttress surfaces and the acetabular cup with the patient'sparticular anatomy may adversely impact the time available to thesurgeon to address other aspects of the implantation procedure.

Thus, there remains a need for improved orthopedic medical devices foruse in revision acetabular surgeries. The present invention addressesthis need and provides other benefits and advantages in a novel andnon-obvious manner.

SUMMARY

In one form of the invention, an implantable variable angle bladeaugment is provided to support an acetabular shell, and includes a bladecomponent and an augment component. The blade component includes abuttress portion and a neck portion, with the neck portion having a bodysegment and a face segment. The augment component having a first openingextending through a top side portion of the augment component and asecond opening extending through a bottom side portion of the augmentcomponent, the first opening and the second opening being on opposingsides of, and in fluid communication with, an internal cavity of theaugment component, the first opening sized to accommodate selectiveadjustment of at least one of a linear orientation and an angularorientation of the blade component relative to the augment componentwhen the body segment is positioned in the first opening, the neckportion having a length that is sized to position, when the body segmentis positioned in the first opening, the face segment at a location atleast proximally adjacent to the second opening such that, when thebottom side portion is positioned adjacent to the acetabular shell, aportion of the face segment directly engages an outer surface of theacetabular shell.

In another form of the invention, an implant system is provided whichincludes an acetabular shell having an outer surface, and a variableblade augment. The variable blade augment includes a blade component andan augment component. The blade component has a buttress portion and aneck portion, with the neck portion having a body segment and a facesegment. The augment component has a first opening extending through atop side portion of the augment component and a second opening extendingthrough a bottom side portion of the augment component, with the top andbottom sides being on opposing sides of the augment component, and withthe bottom side shaped for mating engagement with the outer surface ofthe acetabular shell. The first opening and the second opening are influid communication with an internal cavity of the augment component,with the first opening sized and shaped to receive at least a portion ofthe body segment and accommodate selective adjustment of at least one ofa linear orientation and an angular orientation of the blade componentrelative to the augment component when the body segment is positioned inthe first opening. The neck portion has a length that is sized to extendthe body segment through the first opening and into the internal cavityby a length that positions a portion of the face segment at a locationthat is at least proximally adjacent to the second opening such that,when the bottom side portion is positioned adjacent to the acetabularshell, a portion of the face segment directly contacts the outer surfaceof the acetabular shell.

In a further form of the invention, a variable angle blade augment isprovided which includes an augment section and a blade segment. Theaugment section is structured to abut against at least an outer surfaceof a component of an implantable medical device, and with a reservoir ofthe augment section structured to receive injection of an adhesive thatis configured to unitize at least the augment section with the componentof the implantable medical device. The blade segment includes a bodysegment and an extension, with the extension having a first connectoradapted for pivotal displacement about an aperture of the augmentsection, and with at least a portion of the first connector structuredto be secured to the augment section by a mechanical connection, andwherein at least a portion of the blade segment has a length sized toextend through the augment section and directly contact the component ofthe implantable medical device.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The description herein makes reference to the accompanying figureswherein like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout theseveral figures and views.

FIG. 1 illustrates a back view of an exemplary implantable medicaldevice having a variable angle blade augment that is operably secured toa bone structure of a patient according to one embodiment.

FIG. 2 illustrates an exploded side perspective view of an augmentcomponent and a separate blade component of the variable angle bladeaugment shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 illustrates an exploded back perspective view of a variable angleblade augment according to one embodiment.

FIG. 4 illustrates a top view of the augment component of the variableangle blade augment shown in FIG. 3.

FIG. 5 illustrates a bottom view of the blade component of the variableangle blade augment shown in FIG. 3.

FIG. 6 illustrates a side perspective view of the implantable medicaldevice shown in FIG. 3, with a first connector of the blade componentcaptured in a first end portion of an aperture of a socket capturemechanism of the augment component.

FIG. 7 illustrates a side perspective view of the implantable medicaldevice shown in FIG. 3 with a ball of the blade component captured in asecond end portion of an aperture of a socket capture mechanism of theaugment component.

FIG. 8 illustrates an exploded perspective view of an augment componentand a separate blade component according to another embodiment of ablade augment.

FIG. 9A illustrates a back view of an exemplary implantable medicaldevice having a variable angle blade augment that includes an augmentcomponent and a blade component, at least a portion of the bladecomponent sized to engage an acetabular cup or shell.

FIG. 9B illustrates an exploded back view of the variable angle bladeaugment shown in FIG. 9A.

FIG. 9C illustrates a bottom view of the augment shown in FIG. 9A.

FIG. 9D illustrates a top view of the augment shown in FIG. 9A.

FIG. 9E illustrates a front view of the augment shown in FIG. 9A.

FIG. 9F illustrates a side view of the augment shown in FIG. 9A.

FIG. 9G illustrates a bottom perspective view of a portion of a neckportion of the blade component shown in FIG. 9A.

FIG. 9H illustrates a side view of a portion of a neck portion of theblade component shown in FIG. 9A.

FIG. 9I illustrates a bottom view of a portion of a neck portion of theblade component shown in FIG. 9A.

FIG. 9J illustrates a partial cross sectional bottom view taken alongline A-A of FIG. 9A.

FIG. 10A illustrates an exploded back view of a variable angle bladeaugment having a slotted-type augment component and a separate bladecomponent.

FIG. 10B illustrates a perspective back view of the slotted-type augmentcomponent shown in FIG. 10A.

FIG. 10C illustrates a top view of the slotted-type augment componentshown in FIG. 10A.

FIG. 10D illustrates a bottom view of the slotted-type augment componentshown in FIG. 10A.

FIG. 10E illustrates a side view of the slotted-type augment componentshown in FIG. 10A.

FIG. 10F illustrates a perspective side view of the blade componentshown in FIG. 10A.

FIG. 10G illustrates a side view of the blade component shown in FIG.10A.

FIG. 11A illustrates an exploded back view of a variable angle bladeaugment having a slotted-type augment component and a separate bladecomponent.

FIG. 11B illustrates a top view of the slotted-type augment componentshown in FIG. 11A.

FIG. 11C illustrates a bottom view of the slotted-type of augmentcomponent shown in FIG. 11A.

FIG. 11D illustrates a front view of the slotted-type augment componentshown in FIG. 11A.

FIG. 11E illustrates a side view of the slotted-type augment componentshown in FIG. 11A.

FIG. 11F illustrates a side view of the blade component shown in FIG.11A.

FIG. 11G illustrates a side perspective view of the blade componentshown in FIG. 11A.

FIG. 12A illustrates an exploded back view of a variable angle bladeaugment having a keyed-type augment component and a separate bladecomponent.

FIG. 12B illustrates a top view of the keyed-type augment componentshown in FIG. 12A.

FIG. 12C illustrates a bottom view of the keyed-type augment componentshown in FIG. 12A.

FIG. 12D illustrates a side view of the keyed-type augment componentshown in FIG. 12A.

FIG. 12E illustrates a front view of the keyed-type augment componentshown in FIG. 12A.

FIG. 13A illustrates a back view of a keyed-type augment component.

FIG. 13B illustrates a front view of the keyed-type augment componentshown in FIG. 13A.

FIG. 13C illustrates a top view of the keyed-type augment componentshown in FIG. 13A.

FIG. 13D illustrates a bottom view of the keyed-type augment componentshown in FIG. 13A.

FIG. 13E illustrates a side view of the keyed-type augment componentshown in FIG. 13A.

The foregoing summary, as well as the following detailed description ofcertain embodiments of the present invention, will be better understoodwhen read in conjunction with the appended drawings. For the purpose ofillustrating the invention, there is shown in the drawings, certainembodiments. It should be understood, however, that the presentinvention is not limited to the arrangements and instrumentalities shownin the attached drawings. Additionally, the description herein makesreference to the accompanying figures wherein like reference numeralsrefer to like parts throughout the several views.

DESCRIPTION OF THE ILLUSTRATED EMBODIMENTS

FIG. 1 illustrates a back view of an exemplary embodiment of animplantable medical device 100 having a variable angle blade augment 102that is operably secured to a bone structure or bone element 104 of apatient according to one form of the present invention. The exemplaryimplantable medical device 100 generally includes an acetabular cup orshell 106 that is supported, at least in part, by the variable angleblade augment 102. In the illustrated embodiment, the variable angleblade augment 102 includes an augment component 108 and a separate bladecomponent 110.

FIG. 2 illustrates an exploded side perspective view of the variableangle blade augment 102 shown in FIG. 1, and more particularly shows aperspective view of the augment component 108 and the blade component110. As shown, the blade component 110 may include a body segment 111having a first side 112 and an opposite second side 114, as well asopposite first and second end portions 116, 118. As discussed below, thefirst end portion 116 may be adapted to provide a cement buttress thatis used to secure the variable angle blade augment 102 to the acetabularcup 106 and/or the bone structure 104. Additionally, in otherembodiments, the shape or contouring of the second side 114 of the bodysegment 111, which may be implanted adjacent to the bone structure 104of the patient, may be manufactured or otherwise formed or contoured tomatch the anatomy of the patient based on pre-operative imaging ormanipulation. In still other embodiments, the first side 112 of the bodysegment 111 may be polished so as to prevent or minimize the first side112 from irritating or traumatizing adjacent soft tissue. Additionally,the variable angle blade augment 102 can be constructed from a varietyof different materials, or combination of materials. For example,according to some embodiments, at least a portion of the variable angleblade augment 102 such as, for example, the second side 114 of the bodysegment, may be constructed of a porous material that can at leastassist in facilitating bone in-growth into the porous material.

The body segment 111 may further include a plurality of orifices oropenings 120 (FIG. 2) that generally extend through the body segment111. The orifices 120 may each be sized and shaped to operably receiveone or more mechanical fasteners 122 (FIG. 1) such as, for example, ascrew, bolt, pin, and other types of suitable fasteners or anchors, thatare used to secure the blade component 110 to the bone structure 104 ofthe patient.

The blade component 110 may also include an extension 124 that extendsgenerally from the first end portion 116 of the blade component 110. Theextension 124 may have a proximal end 126 and a distal end 128, with theproximal end 126 coupled to the body segment 111. Further, in someembodiments, the proximal end 126 may be configured to include a recessor contoured region 132 adapted to accommodate placement of at least oneof the orifices 120 a and/or to prevent the extension 124 frominterfering with insertion and/or engagement of a fastener 122 in theorifice 120 a. As discussed in further detail below, the proximal end126 and/or the distal end 128 of the extension 124 may be adapted toallow the blade component 110 to at least pivotally, angularly and/orrotationally engage the augment component 108 via a modified socketjoint 130 in a manner that also permits linear displacement of the bladecomponent 110 relative to the augment component 108.

According to some embodiments, the distal end 128 of the extension 124may be adapted to provide a first connector 134 for the modified socketjoint 130, while the augment component 108 may be adapted to provide amating socket capture mechanism 136. Conversely, according to otherembodiments, the distal end 128 of the extension 124 may be adapted toprovide the socket capture mechanism 136, and the augment component 108may be adapted to provide the first connector 134. Further, according tosome embodiments, the first connector 136 may be generally defined by aconnector sidewall 138. Additionally, the connector sidewall 138 mayhave a variety of shapes and configurations. For example, according tosome embodiments, the connector sidewall 138 may have a generallyspherical-shaped configuration. However, in other embodiments, theconnector sidewall 138 may provide the first connector 136 with othershapes or a combination of shapes. Additionally, the connector sidewall138 may include one or more alignment surfaces 140 a, 140 b (FIG. 5)that have a shape different than the shape of other portions of theconnector sidewall 138.

For example, in the illustrated embodiment shown in FIG. 5, whileportions of the connector sidewall 138′ may be generally spherical inshape, the alignment surfaces 140 a, 140 b may alternatively begenerally flat or planar. More specifically, as shown in FIG. 5,according to some embodiments, the alignment surfaces 140 a, 140 b maybe generally flat surfaces that are positioned on opposite sides of theconnector sidewall 138′, while portions of the connector sidewall 138′extending between the alignment surfaces 140 a, 140 b may be at leastpartially spherical in shape. According to other embodiments, thealignment surfaces 140 a, 140 b may be used in conjunction with a matingconfiguration of an aperture 142′ of the socket capture mechanism 136′to at least indicate the general orientation of the blade component 110,110′ and augment component 108, 108′ such as, for example, theorientation of the augment component 108, 108′ relative to the first andsecond sides 112, 114 of the blade component 110, 110′. Moreover, suchalignment surfaces 140 a, 140 b, as well as a mating configuration inthe aperture 142 of the socket capture mechanism 136, if any, may atleast assist in providing a keyway type feature that allows forintraoperative assembly of various sized or configured blade components110 with various other augment components 108, 108′, thereby furtherfacilitating the modularity of the variable angle blade augment 102,102′.

As shown in at least FIGS. 1 and 2, the augment component 108, 108′ mayinclude front and rear portions 144, 146 that are positioned on oppositesides of a body region 148 of the augment component 108, 108′. The frontportion 144 may include a contoured abutment surface 150 that is shapedfor abutment of at least a portion of the abutment surface 150 againstat least an outer surface 152 of the acetabular cup 106. The abutmentsurface 150 may have a variety of different configurations including,for example, having one or more different shapes, sizes and/or segments.For example, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the abutment surface 150includes a generally curve-shaped or arcuate surface that generallyextends from a first side wall 154 to a second side wall 156 of the bodyregion 148. According to such an embodiment, the curved shape of theabutment surface 150 may generally mimic the shape of at least a portionof the outer surface 152 of the acetabular cup 106. Further, accordingto other embodiments, the abutment surface 150 may have a variety ofdifferent sections of the shapes and/or contours. Additionally,according to further embodiments, the abutment surface 150 may bepositioned about only certain portions or segments 158 a, 158 b of thefront portion 144 (FIG. 6). Additionally, according to still otherembodiments, the abutment surface 150 may protrude or otherwise extendaway from the front portion 144 and/or the body region 148.

In addition to use with modular augments, in some embodiments, thevariable angle blade augment 102 may also be used with augments thathave variable configurations. For example, referencing FIG. 8, in someembodiments, the variable angle blade augment 102 may be utilized withaugments 108″ that are designed for use on the right side of a patient(i.e., a right hand configuration), or with augments 108″ that aredesigned for use on the left side of the patient (i.e., a left handconfiguration). The manner in which the augment 108″ is adapted for useon different sides of a patient may vary. According to some embodiments,the extent to which the first and second sidewalls 154, 156 extend froma location on the augment 108″ for an augment 108″ used in associationwith a right side of a patient may differ from that of augments 108″used in association with the left side of a patient. For example,according to some embodiments, the first sidewall 154 may be outwardlypositioned or offset a distance away from the aperture 142″ when theaugment component 108″ is designed for use in association with the rightside of the patient's hip, and which is greater than the distance atwhich the first sidewall 154 is positioned away from the aperture 142″when the augment component 108″ is designed for use in association withthe left side of the patient's hip. Conversely, according to someembodiments, the second sidewall 156 may be outwardly positioned oroffset a distance away from the aperture 142″ when the augment component108″ is designed for use in association with the right side of thepatient's hip, and which is less than the distance at which the secondsidewall 156 is positioned away from the aperture 142″ when the augmentcomponent 108″ is designed for use in association with the left side ofthe patient's hip.

As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, according to some embodiments, the shape orprofile of the abutment surface 150′ of the augment component 108′ maychange at least along a generally vertical direction (as indicated bythe “V” direction in FIG. 6). Such variations in the shape of theabutment surface 150′ may provide the abutment surface 150′ with one ormore abutment portions 158 a, 158 b having different configurations thatare shaped to accommodate the different angles, positions and/ororientations at which the abutment surface 150′ may engage, andeventually be operably secured to, the outer surface 152 of theacetabular cup 106 via manipulation of the modified socket joint 130during implantation of the medical device 100. For example, the abutmentsurface 150′ shown in FIGS. 6 and 7 includes at least an upper abutmentportion 158 a and a differently shaped lower abutment portion 158 b.Moreover, in the exemplary embodiment shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the upperabutment portion 158 a may have a generally convex shape or contour,while the lower abutment portion 158 b may have a generally concaveshape or contour.

Referring once again to FIGS. 1 and 2, in some embodiments the socketcapture mechanism 136 may be positioned about or in proximity to therear portion 146 of the augment component 108. For example, the socketcapture mechanism 136 may include a socket wall 160 that generallyextends along, away from and/or into the rear portion 146 of the augmentcomponent 108. Further, the socket wall 160 may generally define theaperture 142 that is configured to at least receive the operableplacement of at least a portion of the at least semi-spherical shapedfirst connector 134 of the blade component 110 of the variable angleblade augment 102.

Referring to FIG. 4, according to some embodiments, the aperture 142′may be generally elongated along at least one axis. For example, asshown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the aperture 142′ may be elongated along anaperture axis 143 that is arranged generally perpendicular to a centrallongitudinal axis 151 of a body region 148 of the augment component108′. However, the aperture axis 143 may be positioned at a variety ofother locations relative to the central longitudinal axis 151 of theaugment component. Such an elongated configuration of the aperture 142′may allow for an additional range or degree of movement beyond thatwhich may otherwise be attainable via use of a conventional ball andsocket joint. For example, in addition to the relative orientation ofthe blade component, the augment component 108′ may be pivotallyadjustable via the socket joint 130′, and more specifically the relativemovement of the first connector 134′ and/or the socket capturemechanism.

As shown in FIGS. 4 and 6, the first connector 134′ may be displacedvertically (as indicated by the “V” direction) along the aperture axis143 to a first position at a first end portion 144 of the aperture 142.Conversely, as shown in FIG. 7, the first connector 134′ may also belinearly displaced along the aperture axis 143 to a second position at asecond end portion 147 of the aperture 142′, with the second end portion147 being located at an end of aperture 142 that is opposite the end ofthe aperture 142′ at which the first end portion 145 is located.Although the above examples describe the first connector 134′ beingpositioned at opposite ends of the aperture 142′, according to otherembodiments, the first connector 134′ may be positioned at locationsbetween the first and second end portions 145, 147. Further, aspreviously discussed, in addition to being displaced along the apertureaxis 143, the first connector 134′ and/or the socket capture mechanism136′ may also be utilized as a ball and socket joint, thereby providingadditional ranges of motion, and further facilitating the ability of thevariable angle blade augment 102, 102′ to accommodate a wide range ofvarious patients' anatomies. Accordingly, the socket joint 130, 130′allows the blade component 110, 110′ to be positioned relative to theaugment component 108, 108′ at a greater variety of positions relativeto a typically ball and socket joint arrangement, while still retainingthe benefits and advantages of a ball and socket joint.

According to some embodiments, the socket joint 130, 130′ may have agenerally uniform configuration so as to allow the variable angle bladeaugment 102, 102′ to provide at least a degree of modularity. Forexample, according to some embodiments, the blade component 110 may beoffered in a variety of different sizes and/or configurations including,for example, the option of selecting from blade components 110 that havedifferent sized or shaped body segments 111 and/or extensions 124 thatextend from the body segment 111 at a variety of different distancesand/or angles. Similarly, the augment component 108, 108′ may also beoffered in a variety of sizes, shapes, or configuration including, forexample, augment components 108, 108′ that have different sized orshaped front portions 144 and/or body regions 148, as well as augmentcomponents 108, 108′ in which the socket capture mechanism 136 islocated at different positions relative to the body segment 111, amongother variations. According to such embodiments, one or more of thedifferent blade components 110 may include either a first connector 134,134′ or socket capture mechanism 136, 136′ that is adapted to operablyengage the other of the first connector 134, 134′ or socket capturemechanism 136, 136′ of a plurality of different sized or configuredaugment components 108, 108′ so as to provide modularity that allows forthe use of a variety of different sized or configured blade components110 and augment components 108, 108′. Such modularity may furtherenhance the ability to adapt the variable angle blade augment 102, 102′to a patient's anatomy of bone structure. Additionally, according toother embodiments, the blade component 110 and the augment component108, 108′ may be rapid manufactured together, thereby allowing theentire construct to be fabricated at the same time, which in turn mayeliminate the need to join the blade component 110 and the augmentcomponent 108, 108′ together during manufacturing or surgery.

The blade component 110 and/or augment component 108, 108′ may includeone or more cement ports 162 that are configured to facilitate theinjection or placement of an adhesive (i.e., uncured bone cement) intoat least the aperture 142, 142′ of the socket capture mechanism 136. Forexample, according to one embodiment, the socket wall 160, 160′ mayinclude or more cement ports 162 that are in fluid communication withthe aperture 142, 142′ of the socket capture mechanism 136, 136′.Additionally, according to other embodiments, one or more of the cementports 162 may be sized to receive at least a portion of an instrument ordevice that is used to inject the adhesive into the socket capturemechanism 136, 136′ and/or about at least a portion of the firstconnector 136. Moreover, the one or more cement ports 162 may beconfigured to facilitate the flow of the adhesive between at least theconnector sidewall 138 and the adjacent surfaces of the aperture 142,142′ of the socket capture mechanism 136, 136′. According to otherembodiments, the first connector 134 may be configured to provide one ormore troughs or pockets 168 that may further facilitate the flow ofadhesive between the socket capture mechanism 136 and the firstconnector 134. Such adhesive (which may include, for example, relativelylow viscosity bone cement or other types of adhesives) may, when cured,be used to at least assist in unitizing the blade component 110, 110′and the augment component 108, 108′ at a desired orientation.

Additionally, according to some embodiments, the augment component 108,108′ may also include a reservoir positioned adjacent to and in fluidcommunication with at least the aperture 142 of the socket capturemechanism 136. For example, according to the embodiments illustrated inFIG. 8, one or more cement ports 160 a may be positioned about an edge164 of the body region 146 of the augment component 108, 108′, 108″ thatprovides at least a passageway for the adhesive to be delivered to thereservoir 166. Further, according to some embodiments, the cement ports160 a may be configured as directional ports that direct the flow ofadhesive to the reservoir 166. Adhesive supplied to the reservoir 166may, when cured, at least assist in securing the augment component 108,108′, 108″, and in turn the variable angle blade augment 102, 102′, tothe acetabular cup. Additionally, according to other embodiments, inaddition to, or in lieu of, use of an adhesive, the augment component108, 108′, 108″ and the variable angle blade augment 102, 102′ may beunitized together, or to be secured to the acetabular cup via amechanical fastener, such as, for example, a mechanically tightened balland socket joint. Further, such mechanical unitization can be, accordingto some embodiments, attained through the use of a bone screw, amongother mechanical fasteners.

According to further embodiments, during at least some uses orapplications, the optimal position of the blade component 110 and theaugment component 108, 108′ may be determined by adjusting both a linearposition of the first connector 134 relative to the aperture axis 143 ofthe aperture 142, as well as adjusting the angular and/or pivotalorientation of the blade component 110 and the augment component 108,108′ via adjustment of the ball and socket connection provided by thesocket joint 130. With the abutment surface 150 at the selected oroptimal position or orientation against the acetabular cup 106, theblade component 110, 110′ may be secured to the bone structure 104 viainsertion of the fasteners 122 in the orifices 120, and associatedengagement of the fasteners 122 with the bone structure 104. Theadhesive may then be injected into at least the aperture 142 via the oneor more cement ports 162 such that adhesive is positioned between thefirst connector 134, 134′ and the socket capture mechanism 136, 136′ ina manner that, when the adhesive cures, assists in unitizing the bladecomponent 110, 110′ with the augment component 108, 108′. Additionally,adhesive may also be injected via one or more cement ports 162 a intothe reservoir 166 so as to facilitate, when the adhesive cures, theunitization of the variable angle blade augment 102, 102′ with theacetabular cup 106. Further, uncured adhesive may also be applied to theareas between the first end portion 116 of the blade component 110 andthe augment component 108, 108′ and/or the acetabular cup 106 to furtherunitize the blade component 110 with the augment component 108, 108′and/or the variable angle blade augment 102, 102′ with the acetabularcup 106. According to some embodiments, the augment component 108, 108′may also include a cement buttress section that extends adjacent andabove the capture socket mechanism 136, 136′ and which may also be usedwith the adhesive to assist in unitizing the blade component 110, 110′with the augment component 108, 108′ and/or the variable angle bladeaugment 102, 102′ with the acetabular cup 106. For example, according tocertain embodiments, a cement buttress section at the first end portion116 of the blade component 110, 110′ extends adjacent and above thecapture socket mechanism 136, 136′, and a buttress augment component108, 108′ at the front portion 144 of the augment component 108, 108′that extends adjacent and above the capture socket mechanism 136, 136′may support adhesive, such as, for example, cement, during anatomicalloading of the implantable medical device 100.

FIG. 8 illustrates an exploded perspective view of an augment component108″ and a separate blade component 110″ according to one embodiment ofa blade augment 102″. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 8, a mechanicalconnection such as, for example, a threaded collar or nut/boltconnection or a tapered connection, may be utilized in conjunction withor in addition to an adhesive to secure the first connector 134″ to thesocket capture mechanism 136″. Alternatively, according to anotherembodiment, a mechanical fastener or adhesive need not be directly usedto connect the first connector 110″ to the augment component 108″,thereby providing a non-captured socket joint 130. In other embodiments,the reservoir 166 may include a recess 170 that is adapted to securelyreceive a portion of a mechanical fastener 174 such as, for example, thehead 172 of a lag bolt or bone screw. Moreover, the recess 170 may besized to allow at least a body portion 176 of the fastener 174,including a threaded portion, to pass through the recess 170 and theaperture 142″ while preventing passage of the head 172. The recess 170may have variety of shapes including, for example, a generally sphericalshape.

Additionally, as shown in FIG. 8, the first connector 134″ may includean orifice 178 sized to receive the placement of at least a portion ofthe body portion 176 of the fastener 174, while also allowing a nut 180to operably engage the thread of the fastener 174. Such a connectionbetween the fastener 174 and the nut 180 may allow for operable securingor locking of the position and/or orientation of the augment component108″ relative to the blade component 110″. According to someembodiments, the first connector 110″ may continue to have at least agenerally spherical shape, and optionally may be provided with alignmentsurfaces 140. Moreover, the first connector 110″ may be structured forpivotal displacement within an aperture 142″ of the augment component108″ prior to be secured in position via a mechanical fastener, such as,for example, via use of a threaded collar that mates with a portion ofthe first connector 110″ or a bolt that extends from or through, or isotherwise operably coupled to, the first connector 110″. Additionally,an adhesive may be used to at least assist in unitizing the variableangle blade augment 102″ with the acetabular cup 106 including, forexample, via the placement of adhesive at least in the reservoir 166 ofthe augment component 108″ and in the gap between the first end 116 ofthe blade component 110″ and the augment component 108″ and/or theacetabular cup 106.

FIGS. 9A-9J illustrate an exemplary implantable medical device thatincludes an acetabular cup or shell 1000 and a variable angle bladeaugment 1002. As depicted, the variable angle blade augment 1002includes an augment component 1004 and a blade component 1006. Further,as shown by at least FIG. 9A, and as discussed below, at least a portionof the blade component 1006 is sized to engage, or otherwise interface,the acetabular cup or shell 1000 when the variable angle blade augment1002 is operably implanted in a patient. Such direct, physicalengagement between the blade component 1006 and the acetabular cup orshell 1000 can enhance the structural support and/or stabilizationprovided by the variable angle blade augment 1002 to the acetabular cupor shell 1000 in recreating the acetabular rim in the host bone.

The augment and blade components 1004, 1006 depicted in FIGS. 9A-9J, aswell as other embodiments of components of variable angle blade augmentsdiscussed herein, can be constructed from a variety of differentmaterials, including various different types of materials generally usedfor such orthopedic implants. Further, according to certain embodiments,at least portions and/or surfaces of the augment and blade components1004, 1006 illustrated in FIGS. 9A-9J, as well as for similar componentsof other embodiments of augment and blade components disclosed herein,that can contact, or otherwise be facing, the bone of a patient in whichthe variable blade augment 1002 will be implanted can be constructed ofa porous material that can at least assist in facilitating bonein-growth into the porous material, while surfaces of the augment andblade components that can contact or otherwise face soft tissue can bepolished surfaces. However, according to certain embodiments, inaddition to, or in lieu of, the use of porous materials, bone facingportions of the modular variable blade augment 1002 can employ a varietyof other characteristics and/or features to facilitate at leastanchorage of the modular variable blade augment 1002 to the host bone.For example, according to certain embodiments, bone facing surfaces ofthe modular variable blade augment 1002 can include a plurality orspikes or protrusion, among other surface characteristics, that can atleast assist in anchoring the modular variable blade augment 1002 to thebone of the patient.

Additionally, according to certain embodiments, the augment component1004 and/or the blade component 1006 depicted in FIGS. 1A-1J, as wellother embodiments of the augment and blade components disclosed herein,can be customized for the anatomy of the patient. Moreover, according tocertain embodiments, at least one of, if not both, of the augment andblade components 1004, 1006 depicted in FIGS. 1A-1J can be made to bepatient-specific, including, for example, being contoured, shaped,and/or sized or otherwise configured to generally conform to the boneconfiguration or anatomy of the particular patient. Such embodiments,can include configuring or contouring the augment component 1004 and/orthe blade component 1006 based on information regarding the anatomy ofthe patient, including, but not limited to, images attained of thepatient's anatomy from X-rays, among other imaging techniques.

While various embodiments of the blade augments disclosed herein arediscussed and illustrated in terms of the augment component and theblade component being separate components, according to otherembodiments, the augment component and the blade component can bemanufactured in a manner in which the augment component and the bladecomponent are produced in an assembled state. For example, according tocertain embodiments, the augment component and the blade component canbe produced via additive manufacturing so that the augment component andthe blade component are produced in an assembled state rather than asseparate components.

Referencing at least FIGS. 9A, 9B and 9G-9J, as illustrated, the bladecomponent 1006 can include a buttress portion 1008 and a neck portion1010. The buttress portion 1008 can extend along a central axis 1042(FIG. 9H) of the buttress portion 1008 between a first end 1014 and asecond end 1016 of the buttress portion 1008, and include a back side1018 and an opposing front, or bone facing, side 1020. Further,according to certain embodiments, an outer blade wall 1022 can extendalong an outer perimeter of at least a portion of the buttress portion1008. The height or width of the outer blade wall 1022 can vary to atleast accommodate differences in distances between portions of theopposing back and front sides 1018, 1020 of the buttress portion 1008that are generally adjacent to the outer blade wall 1022, as shown, forexample, by at least FIG. 9H.

According to certain embodiments, the buttress portion 1008 can includea plurality of fixation holes 1024 that are configured to receiveinsertion of one or more mechanical fasteners that can assist insecuring at least the blade component 1006 at a selected location,and/or orientation, on the bone of a patient and/or relative to theeither or both the acetabular cup or shell 1000 and the augmentcomponent 1004. For example, according to certain embodiments, thefixation holes 1024 can be configured to receive and/or engage lockingand/or non-locking bone screws, as well as a combination thereof.Further, at least some, if not all, of the fixation holes 1024 can besized such that when the mechanical fasteners, such as bone screws, arereceived in the fixation holes 1024 and operably secured to the hostbone, the mechanical fasteners are recessed within the fixation holes1024 such that the mechanical fasteners do not protrude beyond the backside 1018 of the blade component 1006. The fixation holes 1024 can havea variety of different configurations, including for example, but notlimited to, the locking holes disclosed in International Application No.PCT/US2016/051864 and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/524,506, thedisclosures of which are incorporated herein.

As shown in at least FIGS. 9A and 9B, according to certain embodiments,at least a portion of the outer blade wall 1022 along the second end1016 of the buttress portion 1008 can have a shape that generally mates,and/or conforms, to the shape of at least a portion of an outer surface1026 of an augment wall 1028 of the augment component 1004 that theouter blade wall 1022 may engage, or otherwise be at least proximatelyadjacent to, when the variable angle blade augment 1002 is implanted orotherwise assembled. For example, as shown in at least FIGS. 9A and 9B,at least a portion of the outer blade wall 1022 at the second end 1016of the buttress portion 1008 can have a generally concave shape that issized to generally mate with, and/or abut against, a mating convexshaped portion of the outer surface 1026 of the augment wall 1028 of theaugment component 1004. Such mating shapes along the second end 1016 ofthe buttress portion 1008 and the outer surface 1026 of the augmentcomponent 1004 may at least increase the size of the surface area,and/or length of the distance, of the portion of the buttress portion1008 that can be abutted against the augment component 1004, and therebyfurther enhance the strength and/or stability of the engagement betweenat least the blade component 1006 and the augment component 1004.Moreover, as the augment component 1004 may abut against at least aportion of the acetabular cup or shell 1000, an enhancement of thestrength of the engagement between the blade component 1006 and theaugment component 1004 may further enhance the strength and/or stabilityof the engagement between at least the augment component 1004 and theacetabular cup or shell 1000.

The neck portion 1010 includes a body segment 1030 and a face segment1032. An end of the body segment 1030 can be connected to, and/or extendfrom, the second end 1016 of the buttress portion 1008. For example,according to certain embodiments, the body segment 1030 can extend froma portion of the outer blade wall 1022 and/or a portion of the back side1018 of the buttress portion 1008 that is generally located around thesecond end 1016 of the buttress portion 1008. Further, for example, asshown in at least FIGS. 9B and 9H, according to certain embodiments, thebody segment 1030 can generally extend along a central axis 1034 of theneck portion 1010 that is, in at least a first plane parallel to, andlinearly offset from, the central axis 1042 of the buttress portion1008.

Similar to the buttress portion 1008, the body segment 1030 can have aback side 1044 and an opposing front or bone facing side 1046. As shownby at least FIG. 9H, according to the illustrated embodiment, at least aportion of the front side 1046 of the body segment 1030 can be linearlyoffset from the front side 1020 of the buttress portion 1008 by adistance (as shown by “D₁” in FIG. 9H) that can accommodate placement ofat least a portion of the augment component 1004 below the front side1046 of the body segment 1030 at least when of the face segment 1032 ispositioned in, or through, an internal cavity 1048 (FIG. 9C) of theaugment component 1004. Further, as shown in FIG. 9H, given the angledor tapered configuration at the second end 1016 of the buttress portion1008 from which the body segment 1030 extends, according to certainembodiments, the front side 1046 of the body segment 1030 can extend alinear distance that is shorter than a corresponding linear distance ofthe back side 1044 of the body segment 1030. Further, as shown by atleast FIG. 9A, the body segment 1030 has a length that at least assistsin the face segment 1032 being positionable at least when the variableangle blade augment 1002 is implanted at a location at which the facesegment 1032 has direct physical contact with the acetabular cup orshell 1000.

The face segment 1032 includes at least a back side 1050, a front side1052, and a bottom side 1054. Further, in view of at least thedifference in length or width between the first and second sidewalls1036, 1038 of the face segment 1032 in relation to the correspondingwidth between sidewalls 1037, 1039 of the body segment 1030, theillustrated face segment 1032 can also include a top side 1056. Asdiscussed below in more detail, the front side 1052 of the face segment1032 can be at least linearly offset from the front side 1020 of thebuttress portion 1008 by a distance (as shown by “D₂” in FIG. 9H) thatis smaller than a distance (“D₁”) that the front side 1020 of the bodysegment 1030 is linearly offset from the front side 1020 of the buttressportion 1008. Such differences in offset distances (D₁, D₂) allows forthe formation of a gap 1058 beneath the body segment 1030 and betweenthe face portion 1056 of the face segment 1032 and the second end 1016of the buttress portion 1008 that can, according to certain embodiments,receive a portion of the augment wall 1028. Moreover, as discussedbelow, the presence of a portion of the augment wall 1028 in the gap1058 when the blade component 1006 is assembled with the augmentcomponent 1004 can, according to certain embodiments, provide a barrieragainst linear displacement of the face segment 1032 out of the augmentcomponent 1004 in a manner that can at least assist in preventingremoval of the face segment 1032 from the internal cavity 1048 of theaugment component 1004.

According to certain embodiments, the face segment 1032 can extendbetween a first sidewall 1036 and a second sidewall 1038 generally alonga central axis 1040 that is non-parallel to, and may or may notintersect, the central axis 1034 about which the body segment 1030extends. For example, referencing FIG. 9B, the central axis 1040 of theface segment 1032 may be generally perpendicular to, although may notintersect, the central axis 1034 about which the body segment 1030extends. Further, as previously mentioned, the face segment 1032 canhave a linear length, or width, between the first and second sidewalls1036, 1038 of the face segment 1032 that is larger than a correspondinglinear length, or width, between similar first and second sidewalls1037, 1039 of the body segment 1030. According to such a configuration,the neck portion 1010 can have at least a generally “T” shapedappearance in at least one plane (as shown, for example, in FIG. 9B).However, depending on the shape at or around the engagement/transitionbetween the body segment 1030 and the buttress portion 1008, accordingto certain embodiments, the neck portion 1010 can have a generally “I”beam shaped appearance in at least one plane.

As shown in at least FIGS. 9G, 9H, and 9I, according to the certainembodiments, at least a portion of the bottom side 1054 of the facesegment 1032 is contoured to mate the shape of a corresponding surfaceof an acetabular cup or shell 1000 against which the face segment 1032can abut or otherwise contact. For example, according to certainembodiments, the bottom side 1054 of the face segment 1032 includes atleast a first face portion 1060 and a second face portion 1062 thatgenerally extend between the first and second side walls 1036, 1038 ofthe face segment 1032. According to certain embodiments, the first faceportion 1060 extends along a different plane than the second faceportion 1062, and/or has different shape and/or contours than the secondface portion 1062. For example, as shown in at least FIG. 9H, accordingto certain embodiments, the first face portion 1060 can have at least aside profile that extends in a first plane that is non-parallel, andnon-perpendicular, to a the plane about which the second face portion1062 extends. Further, according to certain embodiments, the first planein which the first face portion 1060 extend be generally perpendicularto at least the central axis 1034 of at least the body segment 1030 ofthe neck portion 1010.

According to certain embodiments, only one of the first and second faceportions 1060, 1062 may be configured to matingly engage the acetabularcup or shell 1000. For example, as shown by at least FIGS. 9G and 9I,according to certain embodiments, the second face portion 1062 can havea contour, such as, for example, a radius and/or concave curvature,among other shapes and/or contours, along at least a portion, if notapproximately all, of the length of the second face portion 1062 betweenthe first and second side walls 1036, 1038 of the face segment 1032. Asshown by at least FIG. 9G, the mating shape provided by the second faceportion 1062 can, at least according to certain embodiments, be sized tomatch a mating rounded outer surface or portion of the acetabular cup orshell 1000.

As shown in at least FIGS. 9A, 9B and 9H-9I, according to certainembodiments, a ridge 1064 can extend along at least a portion of theneck portion 1010 of the blade component 1006. For example, according tothe illustrated embodiment, the ridge 1064 extends along the back sides1044, 1050 of at least a portion of both the face segment 1032 and thebody segment 1030 of the neck portion 1010. Further, according to theillustrated embodiment, the ridge 1064 can extend from a first end 1066that is at, or approximately adjacent to, the second end 1016 of thebuttress portion 1008, to a second end 1068 that is at, or approximatelyadjacent to, the first face portion 1060 of the face segment 1032.

The ridge 1064 can have a variety of different shapes, sizes, andconfigurations. For example, according to the illustrated embodiment,the ridge 1064 is generally semi-cylindrical in configuration such thatthe ridge 1064 generally rises to an apex 1070 that extends to a heightat the back sides 1044, 1050 that is above other portions of the neckportion 1010. Additionally, according to certain embodiments, the apex1070 of the ridge 1064 may generally extend along at least a portion ofthe neck portion 1010 that is generally parallel to, and offset from thecentral axis 1034 about which the body segment 1030 extends. Accordingto certain embodiments, the ridge 1064 can be sized to provideadditional support and/or strength to at least the neck portion 1010.For example, according to certain embodiments, the ridge 1064 can beconfigured, such as, for example, sized and/or positioned, to providesupport and/or strengthen the neck portion 1010 with respect to bendingmoments that the neck portion 1010 may encounter during at least use ofthe variable angle blade augment 1002.

At least FIGS. 9A-9F also illustrate an example of an augment component1004 that can be configured to be assembled with the blade component1006 to provide the variable angle blade augment 1002. According to theillustrated embodiment, the augment component 1004 can comprise anaugment wall 1028 having an outer surface 1026 and an inner surface1072. The inner surface 1072 of the augment wall 1028 can generallydefine at least a portion of the internal cavity 1048 of the augmentcomponent 1004. The outer surface 1026 of the augment wall 1028 cangenerally define at least an external shape(s) of the augment component1004 as well as provide a variety of different features for the augmentcomponent 1004.

As shown in at least FIGS. 9B and 9F, a back side portion 1074 of theaugment wall 1028 can include one or more cement ports 1076 that are influid communication with the internal cavity 1048. For example, in theillustrated embodiment, the augment component 1004 includes two cementports 1076 that are positioned at generally opposite sides of at leastthe back side portion 1074 of the augment wall 1028, and which providepassageways in the augment wall 1028 through which cement can beinjected into, or otherwise delivered to, the internal cavity 1048 ofthe augment component 1004.

As also shown in at least FIGS. 9B, 9E and 9F, the augment component1004 can also include a plurality of provisional holes 1078. Accordingto certain embodiments, the provisional holes 1078 can be sized toreceive a mechanical fastener, such as, for example, a provisional pin,that can be used to at least temporarily secure the position and/ororientation of the augment component 1004 relative to the bone of thepatient and/or other components of the implant. For example, accordingto certain embodiments, one or more of the provisional holes 1078 canreceive a pin that secures the position and/or location of the augmentcomponent 1004 at least while cement is inserted into the internalcavity 1048 via the cement port(s) 1076 and/or while cement in theinternal cavity 1048 cures. The provisional holes 1078 can be positionedat a variety of locations about the augment component 1004. For example,a first end 1080 of the provisional holes 1078 can be positioned at asidewall portion 1082 a, 1082 b of the augment wall 1028 proximallyadjacent to the back side portion 1074 of the augment wall 1028, andextend to a second end 1086 of the provisional hole 1078 along a portionof the sidewall portion 182 a, 182 b of the augment wall 1028 that is ator near a front side portion 1086 of the augment wall 1028. Whileembodiments discussed herein address the use of provisional holes 1078with an augment component 1004, similar provisional holes can also beused to at least temporarily secure a position of the blade component1006. For example, according to certain embodiments, provisional holescan also be positioned at one or more locations along the buttressportion 1008 of the blade component 1006 such that a provisional pin orother fixation device can extend though at least a portion of theprovisional hole and into the bone of the patient. For example,according to certain embodiment, one or more provisional holes can bepositioned to extend from the back side 1018 through the front side 1020or the outer blade wall 1022 of the buttress portion 1008, and/or fromthe outer blade wall 1022 and through the front side 1020 of thebuttress portion 1008, among other locations.

As shown in at least FIG. 9D, the augment wall 1028 can include a topside portion 1088. According to certain embodiments, at least a portionof the outer surface 1026 of the top side portion 1088 of the augmentwall 1028 can be configured, such as, for example, sized, shaped, and/ororiented, for a mating engagement with, or otherwise for beingpositioned approximately adjacent to, the second end 1016 of thebuttress portion 1008 of the blade component 1006. For example, aspreviously discussed and shown in at least FIGS. 9A and 9B, the outersurface 1026 of the top side portion 1088 of the augment wall 1028 canhave a rounded, curved, or convex shape that is generally similar to arounded, curved, or concave shape of at least a portion of the secondend 1016 of the buttress portion 1008 that can be positioned against, orin positioned approximately adjacent to, the augment wall 1028.

The top side portion 1088 of the augment wall 1028 can include a firstopening 1090 that is in communication with the internal cavity 1048. Thefirst opening 1090 can be sized to accommodate insertion of at least theface segment 1032 of the neck portion 1010 of the blade component 1006through the first opening 1090 and into at least the internal cavity1048 when the blade component 1006 is at a select position ororientation relative to the augment component 1004. Such selectposition(s) and/or orientation(s) for insertion of at least the facesegment 1032 of the neck portion 1010 through the first opening 1090 canbe generally limited to one or more select relative orientations thatare generally different than a relative orientation of the augmentcomponent 1004 and the blade component 1006 that may typically beattained during subsequent installation/implantation steps and/or use ofthe implanted variable angle blade augment 1002. Additionally, the firstopening 1090 can be sized such that, once at least the face segment 1032of the neck portion 1010 has passed through the first opening 1090 andis positioned at least in the internal cavity 1048, the face segment1032 cannot be removed through the first opening 1090 without returningthe blade component 1006 to an orientation used to initially insert theface segment 1032 into/through the first opening 1090.

According to the embodiment illustrated in at least FIGS. 9C and 9D, thefirst opening 1090 in the augment wall 1028 can include an upper wall1092 and an opposing lower wall 1094. Further, a first sidewall 1096 anda second sidewall 1098 of the first opening 1090 can extend betweenopposing ends of the upper and lower walls 1092, 1094. At least thefirst and second sidewalls 1096, 1098 can be configured to increase atleast a portion of a size of the first opening 1090 such that, when atleast the neck portion 1010 of the blade component 1006 is at least atone select, and not every, angular orientation (as indicated by “R₁” inFIG. 9D) relative to the augment component 1004, the face segment 1032of the neck portion 1010 can pass through the first opening 1090 andinto at least the internal cavity 1048. According to certainembodiments, at least one of the first and second sidewalls 1096, 1098can have a configuration that increases at least one length of the firstopening 1090 in only one general area across the first opening 1090.

For example, in the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 9D, the secondsidewall 1098 can include a notch 1100 that increases a size of only aportion of the first opening 1090. According to such an embodiment, theinclusion of the notch 1100 can result in an opened area in the firstopening 1090 along a first diagonal distance (“D₃” in FIG. 9D) thatextends between at least the general proximity of two diagonallyopposing corners of the first opening 1090. Further, the inclusion ofthe additional space provided by the inclusion of the notch 1100 in aportion of the first opening 1090 can result in the first diagonaldistance (“D₃”) being is larger than another diagonal distance (“D₄” inFIG. 9D) that extends generally between the other two diagonallyopposing corners of the first opening 1090. Further, the first diagonaldistance (“D₃”) may be smaller than a linear distance between theopposing first and second sidewalls 1036, 1038 of the face segment 1032of the neck portion 1010. Accordingly, insertion of the face segment1032 through the first opening 1090 via use of at least the notch 1100can be configured to be limited to situations in which the bladecomponent 1006 is manipulated to at least and a certain angularorientation relative to the augment component 1004 such that one of thefirst and second sidewalls 1036, 1038 of the face segment 1032 can atleast initially enter into first opening 1090, if not generally passesthrough the first opening 1090, before the other of the first and secondsidewalls 1036, 1038 can enter the first opening 1090 and/or passthrough the first opening 1090. For example, according to certainembodiments, insertion of the face segment 1032 of the neck portion 1010into, and through the first opening, can be limited to instances whenthe blade component 1006 has at least been rotated about a first axis(as indicated by “R₁” in FIG. 9D) that can be, for example, generallyperpendicular to the central axis 1032 of the body segment 1030, and inwhich the blade component 1006 has been manipulated so that at least aportion of the face segment 1032 passes through the notch 1100.

In addition to differences in sizes between the first opening 1090 ofthe augment component 1004 and the face segment 1032 of the neck portion1010 generally limiting the ability to insert, and thus also remove, theface segment 1032 into/through the first opening 1090, as previouslydiscussed, the location of the portion of the first opening providingthe increased size, such as, for example, the notch 1100, can also beused to control insertion/removal of the face segment 1032 through thefirst opening 1090. For example, as shown by at least FIG. 9D, the notch1100 can be position away from, or above, the lower wall 1094 in a firstvertical direction (as indicated by “V₁” in FIG. 9D).

Accordingly, according to certain embodiments, insertion of at least theface segment 1032 through the first opening 1090 may involve not onlythe blade component 1006 being angled relative to the augment component1004 so that the larger length of the face segment 1032 can pass throughthe first opening 1090, but also being tilted or rotated about a secondaxis (as indicated by the “R₂” direction in FIG. 9D) that, for example,can be generally parallel to the central axis 1034 of the body segment1030. According to the illustrated embodiment, for example, the bladecomponent 1006 can be rotated about the second axis such that the one ofthe first and second sidewalls 1036, 1038 of the face segment 1032 thatis to pass through the notch 1100 is generally aligned with the notch1100. According to such an example, the rotation of the blade component1006 about the second axis can result in the one of the first and secondsidewalls 1036, 1038 of the face segment 1032 that is to pass throughthe notch 1100 being at a distance away from the lower wall 1094 of thefirst opening (generally in the “V₁” direction) that is larger than acorresponding distance between the lower wall 1094 and the other of thefirst and second sidewalls 1036, 1038 of the face segment 1032.Additionally, the notch 1100 can be positioned such that when the bladecomponent 1006 is operably assembled with the augment component 1004,including, for example, at least when the variable angle blade augment1002 is implanted in a patient and/or while the assembled variable angleblade augment 1002 is being positioned for implantation, a lower portion1102 the notch 1100 is at location in generally in the “V₁” direction(FIG. 9D) that is higher than, or offset from front side 1052 of theface segment 1032 so as to further generally prevent or restrict theability of the face segment 1032 that is positioned in the internalcavity 1048 from reentering into the notch 1100 without the bladecomponent 1006 being re-manipulated to an orientation/position similarthat which previously allowed passage of the face segment 1032 throughthe first opening 1090 and into the internal cavity 1048.

Additionally, according to at least some embodiments, the lower wall1094 of the first opening 1090 can be generally positioned from thefront side portion 1084 of the augment wall 1028 by a distance thatfurther assists in retaining a blade component 1006 that has beenreceived through the first opening 1090 and into the internal cavity1048 from subsequently being inadvertently removed from the augmentcomponent 1004. More specifically, as previously discussed with respectto at least FIG. 9H, the front side 1052 of the face segment 1032 can beat least linearly offset from the front side 1020 of the buttressportion 1008 by a distance (“D₂”) that is smaller than the distance(“D₁”) that the front side 1046 of the body segment 1030 is linearlyoffset from the front side 1020 of the buttress portion 1008. Such aconfiguration can provide the gap 1058 beneath the body segment 1030,and moreover, between the face segment 1032 and the buttress portion1008, that can, when the blade component 1006 and the augment component1004 are assembled, generally receive placement of at least a portion ofthe lower wall 1094 of the first opening 1090. According to such anembodiment, at least the lower wall 1094 can provide a barrier againstinadvertent displacement of at least the face segment 1032 from theinternal cavity 1048 through the first opening 1090.

At least the internal cavity 1048 and the first opening 1090 of theaugment component 1004 are size relative to the face segment 1032 andbody segment 1030, respectively, such that when the face segment 1032has been received in the internal cavity 1048 and the body segment 1030extends through the first opening 1090, the variable angle blade augment1002 can accommodate a relatively wide range of angulation between theblade component 1006 and the augment component 1004. Moreover, suchsizing of the augment component 1004 and blade component 1006 canaccommodate the blade component 1006 being twisted and/or positionedoff-centered relative to the augment component 1004 so that the variableangle blade augment 1002 can have an adjustable configuration that canaccommodate the various different anatomies and/or defects of arelatively wide range of patients.

For example, FIG. 9B illustrates the blade component 1006 at a generallycentered, neutral position relative to the augment component 1004, asrepresented by a centerline 1012 of the blade component 1004. For atleast purposes of illustration, FIG. 9B also provides an example of anoff-centered location, as represented by centerline 1012 a of the bladecomponent 1006, that, according to the depicted embodiment, the bladecomponent 1006 can be linearly displaced and positioned relative to theaugment component 1004. Such sizing of the features of the augmentcomponent 1004 and blade component 1006 can also accommodate a degree ofrotational displacement of the blade component 1006 relative to theaugment component 1004, as illustrated by a comparison of the angularposition of the centerline 1012 b of the blade component 1006 shown inFIG. 9B with the position of the centerline 1012 when the bladecomponent 1006 is at the central, neutral position. Such rotationaldisplacement of the relative position of the blade component 1006 canaccommodate the positioning, and implantation of the blade component ata location at which the rotated centerline 1012 b of the angularlyadjusted blade component 1006 is non-parallel to the depicted central,neutral position of the centerline 1012.

While, for purposes of illustration, FIG. 9B provides a single exampleof the blade component 1006 being offset from a central, neutrallocation, as well as a single example of the blade component 1006 beingangularly adjusted relative to the central, neutral location of theblade component 1006, the augment component 1004 and the blade component1006 can be configured to accommodate the blade component 1006 beingoff-centered from, and/or angularly positioned relative to, the central,neutral position by a variety of different distances and/or degrees.Additionally, such sizing of the augment component 1004 and the bladecomponent 1006 can accommodate such linear and/or angular adjustments inthe positioning and/or orientation in a variety of different directionsrelative to the central, neutral location of the blade component 1006.Further, while FIG. 9B illustrates the blade component 1006 being eitherlinearly adjusted or angularly adjusted from the depicted central,neutral location, the sizing of the augment component 1004 and the bladecomponent 1006 can also accommodate the combination of both such linear,off-centered adjustment(s) and angular adjustment of the relativeposition of the blade component 1006. Further, while FIG. 9B generallyillustrates such linear and angular adjustments of the blade component1006 in a single plane, such as, for example, generally linearly orrotably displacing the blade component 1006 toward one of the first andsecond sidewalls 1096, 1098 of the first opening 1090, the augmentcomponent 1004 and blade component 1006 can be sized to accommodate suchlinear and/or angular adjustment of the blade component 1006 in otherplanes, and a combination thereof, such as, for example, but not limitedto, generally linearly or rotably displacing the blade component 1006toward one of the upper and/or lower walls 1092, 1094 of the firstopening 1090 in addition to, or in lieu of, adjustments relative to thefirst and second sidewalls 1096, 1098 of the first opening 1090.

The body segment 1030 of the blade component 1006 can also be sized,such as, for example, have a length, to accommodate linear adjustment inthe location of at least the face segment 1032 relative to the augmentcomponent 1004 and/or the acetabular cup or shell 1002. Moreover, suchbody segment 1030 have a length that can accommodate adjusting thelinear location of at least the face segment 1032 such that the facesegment 1032 can be displaced to a location at which at least a portionof the face segment 1032 can abut the acetabular cup or shell 1000. Forexample, the body segment 1030 can have a length between the second end1016 of the buttress portion 1008 and the top side 1056 of the facesegment 1032 that can accommodate at least linear adjustments in thepositioning of the body segment 1030 relative to at least the firstopening 1090 so as to facilitate the face segment 1032 being positionedto contact the acetabular cup or shell 1000.

According to certain embodiments, at least a portion of the bone facingsides of the outer surface 1026 of the augment wall 1028, such as forexample, at least a portion of the top side portion 1088 and/or sidewallportions 1082 a, 1082 b of the outer surface 1026 of the augment wall1028 can also include a retention ridge or lip 1104. The retention lip1104 can have a variety of shapes and sizes, and can be generallyconfigured to provide a barrier against, or to minimize, the flow, ifany, of cement into the host bone. For example, according to theillustrated embodiment, the retention lip 1104 generally outwardlyprotrudes away from adjacent portions of the outer surface of theaugment wall 1028 so as to provide a barrier that at least attempts tostop the flow, or otherwise catch, cement that may pass along or aroundat least a portion of the outer surface 1026 of the augment wall 1028.While the retention lip 1104 can be positioned at a variety of locationsabout the bone facing sides of the augment wall 1028, according to theillustrated embodiment, the retention lip 1104 can be generally locatedin the “V₁” direction (FIG. 9D) between the lower wall 1094 of the firstopening 1090 and the front side portion 1084 of the outer surface 1026of the augment wall 1028. Moreover, according to certain embodiments,the retention lip 1104 can be proximally adjacent to the front sideportion 1084 of the outer surface 1026 of the augment wall 1028, and/orcan be an extension of at least a portion of the front side portion 1084of the outer surface 1026 of the augment wall 1028, as indicated, forexample, by FIG. 9E.

The augment wall 1028 also includes a bottom side portion 1106, as shownin at least FIG. 9C, that is configured to abut, or otherwise bepositioned proximally adjacent to, the acetabular cup or shell 1000, asshown in FIGS. 9A and 9B. Thus, at least the outer surface 1026 of theaugment wall 1028 along at least a portion of the bottom side portion1106 can have a shape and/or contours that generally mate the shape ofat least the portion of the acetabular cup or shell 1000 against whichthe augment component 1004 can abut. Additionally, the bottom sideportion 1106 of the augment wall 1028 can be configured to generallydefine a second opening 1108 in the augment component 1004. The secondopening 1108 is in fluid communication with the internal cavity 1048 andsized to accommodate the face segment 1032 of the blade component 1006being in direct contact with the acetabular cup or shell 1000. Forexample, according to certain embodiments, the second opening 1108 canbe sized to receive insertion of at least a portion of at one of theacetabular cup or shell 1000 and the face segment 1032 of the bladecomponent 1006. Further, according to certain embodiments, the facesegment 1032 of the blade component 1006 can be in direct contact withthe acetabular cup or shell 1000 at, or in the general vicinity of, thesecond opening 1108.

FIG. 9E illustrates an exemplary front side portion 1084 of the augmentwall 1028 according to certain embodiments of the present application.As shown, according to certain embodiments, the front side portion 1084can extend between a region of the bottom side portion 1106 of theaugment wall 1028 that has a shape that generally conforms to the shapeof the acetabular cup or shell 1000 to a region of the bottom sideportion 1106 that is proximally adjacent to, if not part of, theretention ridge or lip 1104. Additionally, according to certainembodiments, at least a portion of the provisional holes 1078 can alsoextend to, or be in the general vicinity of, the front side portion 1084of the augment wall 1028.

The internal cavity 1048 of the augment component illustrate in at leastFIG. 9A, as well as the augment components of other embodimentsdiscussed below, is sized to receive not only at least a portion of theneck portion 1010 of the blade component 1006, such as, but not limitedto, a portion of the face segment 1032, but to also receive an injectedfixation material, such as for example, and adhesive material,including, but not limited to, bone cement. As previously mentioned, theblade component 1006 and augment component 1004 can be sized andconfigured to accommodate the blade component 1006 being in directcontact with the acetabular cup or shell 1000 when the variable angleblade augment 1002 is being implanted. Accordingly, with the variableangle blade augment 1002 positioned such that blade component 1006 isoperably inserted into the augment component 1004 at a selectedposition/orientation, and with the blade component 1006, and moreoverthe face segment 1032, in contact with the acetabular cup or shell 1000,cement can be injected into the internal cavity 1048 via one or morecement ports 1076. In such a situation, the curing of the cement will atleast assist in unitizing the acetabular cup or shell 1000 and the bladecomponent 1006. Further, such curing of the cement can also assist insecuring the augment component 1004 to the acetabular cup or shell 1000.Thus, the unitizing of at least the acetabular cup or shell 1000 and theblade component, including blade component 1006, as well as the securingof the augment component 1004, to the acetabular cup or shell 1000 canoccur at generally one location within the internal cavity 1048. Suchfeatures are also applicable to at least the various other embodimentsof augment components and blade components discussed below.

Additionally, according to certain embodiments, at least some portionsof the blade component 1006 that can be exposed to the fixation materialthat is injected into the internal cavity 1048 via one or more cementports 1076 can be configured to at least assist in facilitating orenhancing the adherence of the fixation material to the blade component1006. For example, according to certain embodiments, at least a portionof an outer surface(s) of the body segment 1030 and/or face segment 1032can have surface features or characteristics that can enhance adherenceof a fixation material, such as, but not limited to, bone cement, to thebody segment 1030 and/or face segment 1032. A variety of such surfacefeatures or characteristics can be utilized, including, for example, aplurality of protrusions or bumps that are positioned at variouslocations along at least a portion of the outer surface of the bodysegment 1030 and/or face segment 1032, among other surface features orcharacteristics.

FIGS. 10A-10G illustrate an exemplary variable angle blade augment 1200.As depicted, the variable angle blade augment 1200 includes an augmentcomponent 1202 and a blade component 1204. Further, similar to the bladecomponent 1006 depicted in at least FIG. 9A, the blade component 1204 isalso sized to engage, or otherwise interface, the acetabular cup orshell 1000 when the variable angle blade augment 1200 is operablyimplanted in a patient. Again, such direct, physical engagement betweenthe blade component 1204 and the acetabular cup or shell 1000 canenhance the structural support and/or stabilization provided by thevariable angle blade augment 1200 to the acetabular cup or shell 1000 inrecreating the acetabular rim in the host bone.

Referencing at least FIGS. 10A, 10F and 10G, the blade component 1204can include a buttress portion 1206 and a neck portion 1208. Thebuttress portion 1206 can extend along a central axis 1209 (FIG. 10G) ofthe buttress portion 1206 between a first end 1210 and a second end 1212of the buttress portion 1206, and include a back side 1214 and anopposing front, or bone facing, side 1216. Further, according to certainembodiments, an outer blade wall 1218 can extend along an outerperimeter of at least a portion of the buttress portion 1206. The heightor width of the outer blade wall 1218 can vary to at least accommodatedifferences in distances between portions of the opposing back and frontsides 1214, 1216 of the buttress portion 1206 that are generallyadjacent to the outer blade wall 1218, as shown, for example, by atleast FIGS. 10F and 10G.

Unlike the buttress portion 1006 discussed above with respect to atleast FIG. 9A, the buttress portion 1206 depicted in FIGS. 10A, 10F and10G, as shown, does not include fixation holes 1024. However, accordingto other embodiments, the buttress portion 1206 can include fixationholes that are at least similar, if not the same, as the fixation holes1024 that were previously discussed with respect to the buttress portion1006.

As shown in at least FIGS. 10A and 10F, according to certainembodiments, at least a portion of the outer blade wall 1218 along thesecond end 1212 of the buttress portion 1206 can have a shape thatgenerally mates, and/or conforms, to the shape of at least a portion ofan outer surface 1220 of an augment wall 1222 of the augment component1202 that the outer blade wall 1218 may engage, or otherwise be at leastproximately adjacent to, when the variable angle blade augment 1200 isimplanted or otherwise assembled. For example, as shown in at least FIG.10A, at least a portion of the outer blade wall 1218 at the second end1212 of the buttress portion 1206 can have a generally concave shapethat is sized to generally mate with, and/or abut against, a matingconvex shaped portion of the outer surface 1220 of the augment wall 1222of the augment component 1202. Such mating shapes along the second end1212 of the buttress portion 1206 and the outer surface 1220 of theaugment component 1202 may at least increase the size of the surfacearea, and/or length of the distance, of the portion of the buttressportion 1206 that can be abutted against the augment component 1202, andthereby further enhance the strength and/or stability of the engagementbetween at least the blade component 1204 and the augment component1202. Moreover, as the augment component 1202 may abut against at leasta portion of the acetabular cup or shell 1000, an enhancement of thestrength of the engagement between the blade component 1204 and theaugment component 1202 may further enhance the strength and/or stabilityof the engagement between at least the augment component 1202 and theacetabular cup or shell 1000.

The neck portion 1208 includes a body segment 1224 and a face segment1226. An end of the body segment 1224 can be connected to, and/or extendfrom, the second end 1212 of the buttress portion 1206. For example,according to certain embodiments, the body segment 1224 can extend froma portion of the outer blade wall 1218 and/or a portion of the back side1214 of the buttress portion 1206 that is generally located around thesecond end 1212 of the buttress portion 1206. As shown, the body segment1224 extends from a different location along the second end 1212 of thebuttress portion 1206 than the location from which the body segment 1030extends in the embodiment depicted in at least FIG. 9A. Further, forexample, as shown in at least FIG. 10G, according to certainembodiments, the body segment 1224 can generally extend along a centralaxis 1228 of the neck portion 1208 that is parallel to, and linearlyoffset from, the central axis 1209 of the buttress portion 1206.

Similar to the buttress portion 1206, the body segment 1224 can have aback side 1230 and an opposing front, or bone facing, side 1232. Asshown by at least FIG. 10G, according to the illustrated embodiment, atleast a portion of the front side 1232 of the body segment 1224 can belinearly offset from the front side 1216 of the buttress portion 1206 bya distance (as shown by “D₅” in FIG. 10G) that can accommodate placementof at least a portion of the augment component 1202 below the front side1232 of the body segment 1224 at least when of the face segment 1226 ispositioned in, or through, an internal cavity 1234 (FIG. 10D) of theaugment component 1202. Further, similar to the body segment 1030discussed above, the body segment 1224 depicted in at least FIGS. 10A,10F and 10G has a length that at least assists in the face segment 1226being positionable at least when the variable angle blade augment 1200is implanted at a location at which the face segment 1226 has directphysical contact with the acetabular cup or shell 1000.

The face segment 1226 includes at least a back side 1236, a front side1238, and a bottom side 1240. Further, in view of at least thedifference in length or width between the first and second sidewalls1242, 1244 of the face segment 1226 in relation to the correspondingwidth between sidewalls 1246, 1248 of the body segment 1224, as well asdifference between the back and front sides 1236, 1238 of the facesegment 1226 in relation to the back and front sides 1230, 1232 of thebody segment 1224, the illustrated face segment 1226 can also include atop side 1250. As discussed below in more detail, the front side 1238 ofthe face segment 1226 can be at least linearly offset from the frontside 1216 of the buttress portion 1206 by a distance (as shown by “D₅”in FIG. 10G), while the front side 1238 of the face segment 1226 isapproximately aligned with the front side 1216 of the buttress portion1206 so that a gap 1252 beneath the body segment 1224 and between theface portion 1250 of the face segment 1226 and the second end 1212 ofthe buttress portion 1206 that can, according to certain embodiments,receive a portion of, or be relatively adjacent to, the augment wall1222. Moreover, in a manner similar that discussed above with respect tothe variable angle blade augment 1002 discussed above with respect to atleast FIG. 9A, the presence of a portion of the augment wall 1222 in thegap 1252 when the blade component 1204 is assembled with the augmentcomponent 1202 can, according to certain embodiments, provide a barrieragainst linear displacement of the face segment 1226 out of the augmentcomponent 1202 in a manner that can at least assist in preventingremoval of the face segment 1226 from the internal cavity 1234 of theaugment component 1202.

According to certain embodiments, the face segment 1226 can extendbetween a first sidewall 1242 and a second sidewall 1244. Further, whencompared with the body segment 1224, the relative distance between theback and front sides 1236, 1238 and/or between the first and secondsidewalls 1242, 1244 can provide the neck portion 1208 with at least agenerally “T” shaped appearance in one or more plane (as shown forexample in FIGS. 10A, 10F and 10G). However, depending on the shape ator around the engagement/transition between the body segment 1224 andthe buttress portion 1206, according to certain embodiments, the neckportion 1208 can have a generally “I” beam shaped appearance in at leastone plane.

As shown in at least FIGS. 10F and 10G, according to the certainembodiments, at least a portion of the bottom side 1240 of the facesegment 1226 is contoured to mate the shape of a corresponding surfaceof an acetabular cup or shell 1000 against which the face segment 1226can abut or otherwise contact. For example, according to certainembodiments, the bottom side 1240 of the face segment 1226 can have acontour, such as, for example, a radius and/or concave curvature, amongother shapes and/or contours, along at least a portion, if notapproximately all, of the length of the bottom side 1240 of the facesegment 1226. According to the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 10F, thebottom side 1240 of the face segment 1226 can have a curvature thatgenerally extends between the back and front sides 1236, 1238 of theface segment 1226. However, according to other embodiments, the bottomside 1240 of the face segment 1226 can be contoured in a variety ofother directions. As shown by at least FIG. 10G, the mating shapeprovided by the bottom side 1240 of the face segment 1226 can, at leastaccording to certain embodiments, be sized to match a mating roundedouter surface or portion of the acetabular cup or shell 1000. Further,as shown in at least FIG. 10F, at least the bottom side 1240 of the facesegment 1226 can be defined by generally parallel back and front sides1236, 1238 and generally parallel first and second sidewalls 1242, 1244such that, aside from the curvature or contouring of the bottoms side1240, provide a generally square or rectangular appearance.

At least FIGS. 10A-10E also illustrate an example of an augmentcomponent 1202 that can be configured to be assembled with the bladecomponent 1204 to provide the variable angle blade augment 1200.According to the illustrated embodiment, the augment component 1202 cancomprise an augment wall 1222 having an outer surface 1220 and an innersurface 1254. The inner surface 1254 of the augment wall 1222 cangenerally define at least a portion of the internal cavity 1234 of theaugment component 1202. The outer surface 1220 of the augment wall 1222can generally define at least an external shape(s) of the augmentcomponent 1202 as well as provide a variety of different features forthe augment component 1202.

As shown in at least FIGS. 10A-10E, a back side portion 1256 of theaugment wall 1222 can include one or more cement ports 1258 that are influid communication with the internal cavity 1234, and, moreover,provide passageways through which cement can be injected into, orotherwise delivered to, the internal cavity 1234. The cement ports 1258can have a variety of shapes, sizes, and configurations, including, forexample, the configuration similar to the cement ports 1076 depicted inat least FIG. 9A. However, in the illustrated embodiment, each of thecement ports 1258 are positioned such that a portion of the wall thatdefines the passage to the internal cavity 1234 provided by the cementports 1258 extends, or through, the bottom side portion 1260 and/or topside portion 1262 of the augment wall 1222 such that the cement portions1258 are open along at least one side of the cement port 1258.

As shown in at least FIG. 10C, the augment wall 1222 can include a topside portion 1262. According to certain embodiments, at least a portionof the outer surface 1220 of the top side portion 1262 of the augmentwall 1222 can be configured, such as, for example, sized, shaped, and/ororiented, for a mating engagement with, or otherwise for beingpositioned approximately adjacent to, the second end 1212 of thebuttress portion 1206 of the blade component 1204. For example, aspreviously discussed and shown in at least FIG. 10A, the outer surface1220 of the top side portion 1262 of the augment wall 1222 can have arounded, curved, or convex shape that is generally similar to a rounded,curved, or concave shape of at least a portion of the second end 1212 ofthe buttress portion 1206 that can be positioned against, or inpositioned approximately adjacent to, the augment wall 1222.

The top side portion 1262 of the augment wall 1222 can include a firstopening 1264 that is in communication with the internal cavity 1234. Thefirst opening 1264 can be sized to accommodate passage of the bodysegment 1224 of the neck portion 1208 through the first opening 1264 atleast when a portion of the face segment 1226 is operably positioned inthe internal cavity 1234. Further, the first opening can be sized toaccommodate linear and/or angular adjustment of the position of the bodysegment 1224 within the first opening 1264, and thereby accommodate arelatively wide range of angulation between the blade component 1204 andthe augment component 1202.

According to the depicted embodiment, the first opening 1264 isgenerally defined by an opening wall 1266 that is outwardly tapered asthe opening wall 1266 extends generally from an area adjacent to theinternal cavity 1234 to an area generally adjacent to the top sideportion 1262 of the augment wall 1222. Thus, according to such aconfiguration, the size of the first opening 1264 adjacent to theinternal cavity 1234 may be smaller than the size of the first opening1264 adjacent to the top side portion 1262 of the augment wall 1222.When the body segment 1224 is operably positioned in the first opening1264, such a configuration of the first opening 1264, as well as thesize of the body segment 1224 between the sidewalls 1246, 1248, can atleast accommodate pivotal and/or rotational displacement of the bodysegment 1224, and thus of the blade component 1204, relative to thecentered, neutral position (as indicated by the centerline 1268 in FIG.10A) of the blade component 1204 when assembled with the augmentcomponent 1202. Two non-limiting examples of such pivotal and/orrotational displacement of the body segment 1224, and thus of the bladecomponent 1204, relative to the augment component 1202 are, for purposesof illustration, indicated by the changes in the centerline 1268 a, 1268b. While such examples depict pivotal or rotational adjustment in theposition of the centerline 1268 in a single plane, according to certainembodiments, the tapered configuration and size of the opening wall 1266can, in at least some embodiments, accommodate relative pivotal orrotational displacement of the blade component 1204 in other directionsor planes. Additionally, according to certain embodiments, the firstopening 1264 can also be sized to accommodate linear displacement of thebody segment 1224 in a variety of directions, and thus accommodateadjustments to the relative linear positions of the blade component 1204and the augment component 1202.

According to certain embodiments, at least a portion of the bone facingsides of the outer surface 1220 of the augment wall 1222, such as forexample, at least a portion of the top side portion 1262 and/or sidewallportions 1270 a, 1270 b of the outer surface 1220 of the augment wall1222 can also include a retention ridge or lip 1272. The retention lip1272 can have a variety of shapes and sizes, and can be generallyconfigured to provide a barrier against, or to minimize, the flow, ifany, of cement into the host bone. For example, according to theillustrated embodiment, the retention lip 1272 generally outwardlyprotrudes away from adjacent portions of the outer surface of theaugment wall 1222 so as to provide a barrier that at least attempts tostop the flow, or otherwise catch, cement that may pass along or aroundat least a portion of the outer surface 1220 of the augment wall 1222.While the retention lip 1272 can be positioned at a variety of locationsabout the bone facing sides of the augment wall 1222, according to theillustrated embodiment, the retention lip 1272 can be generally locatedin the between the first opening 1264 and the front side portion 1274 ofthe outer surface 1220 of the augment wall 1222, as indicated, forexample, by FIG. 10E.

The augment wall 1222 also includes a bottom side portion 1260, as shownin at least FIG. 10D that is configured to abut, or otherwise bepositioned proximally adjacent to, the acetabular cup or shell 1000.Thus, at least the outer surface 1220 of the augment wall 1222 along atleast a portion of the bottom side portion 1260 can have a shape and/orcontours that generally mate the shape of at least the portion of theacetabular cup or shell 1000 against which the augment component 1202can abut. Additionally, the bottom side portion 1260 of the augment wall1222 can be configured to generally define a second opening 1276 in theaugment component 1202. The second opening 1276 is in fluidcommunication with the internal cavity 1234 and sized to accommodate theface segment 1226 of the blade component 1204 being in direct contactwith the acetabular cup or shell 1000. For example, according to certainembodiments, the second opening 1276 can be sized to receive insertionof at least a portion of at one of the acetabular cup or shell 1000 andthe face segment 1226 of the blade component 1204. Further, according tocertain embodiments, the face segment 1226 of the blade component 1204can be in direct contact with the acetabular cup or shell 1000 at, or inthe general vicinity of, the second opening 1276.

As shown in at least FIGS. 10B-10D, the augment component 1202 includesa slot 1278 that extends through the augment wall 1222 and is incommunication with the first and second openings 1264, 1276. Accordingto certain embodiments, the slot 1278 has a first end 1280 in the frontside portion 1276 of the augment wall 1222 and a second end 1282 thatextends through the opening wall 1266 of the first opening 1264.Additionally, as shown by at least FIG. 10C, the slot 1278 can alsoextend through a portion of the top side portion 1262 of the augmentwall 1222.

The slot 1278 can be generally defined by an opposing pair of slot walls1284. According to certain embodiments, the slot walls 1284 can beinwardly tapered generally from the internal cavity 1234 and/or firstopening 1264 toward the front side portion 1274 of the augment wall1222. Thus, the first end 1280 of the slot 1278 can have a smaller widthbetween the slot walls 1284 than the second end 1282 of the slot 1278.Further, according to certain embodiments, the distance between theopposing slot walls 1284 can be used to control at least the placement,as well as removal, of the body segment 1224 into/from the first opening1264, and moreover control the assembly/disassembly of the bladecomponent 1204 to/from the augment component 1202.

For example, according to certain embodiments, the distance between theopposing slot walls 1284 at least at the first end 1280 of the slot maybe smaller than the distance between the opposing sidewalls 1246, 1248of the body segment 1224, but larger than the distance between theopposing back and front sides 1230, 1232 of the body segment 1224.According to such an embodiment, assembly of the blade component 1204 tothe augment component 1202 may be limited to situations in which theblade component 1204 has been manipulated, such as rotated, such thatthe opposing back and front sides 1230, 1232 of the body segment 1224are generally aligned with the slot walls 1284 at the first end 1280 ofthe slot 1278. Such manipulation may include, for example, rotating theblade component 1204 about 90 degrees from the relative orientationshown in FIG. 10A. With the smaller sized of the width between the backand front sides 1230, 1232 of the body segment 1224 are generallyaligned with the slot walls 1284 at the first end 1280 of the slot 1278,the blade component 1204 can be displaced relative to the augmentcomponent 1202 such that the body segment 1224 is moved along the slot1278 to a position at which at least a portion of the body segment 1224is received in the first opening 1264. Moreover, the body segment 1224can be moved at least into a portion of the first opening 1264 such thatthe body segment 1224, and thus the blade component 1204, can be rotatedback to a position at which the back and front sides 1230, 1232 of thebody segment 1224 are generally perpendicular, or otherwise misaligned,with the slot walls 1284 at the second end 1282 of the slot 1278. Thus,according to certain embodiments, the first opening 1264 may be shapedand sized to accommodate such rotation of the body segment 1224. Forexample, in the illustrated embodiment, the first opening 1264 can havea generally oval shape, among other shapes, that can accommodate suchrotation of the body segment 1224, as well as accommodate off-centeredlinear positioning of the blade component 1204 relative to the augmentcomponent 1202, as previously discussed. Additionally, the second end1282 of the slot 1278 can have a size that can at least assist inpreventing the slots walls 1284 from interfering with such rotationaldisplacement of the body segment 1224.

Additionally, according to at least some embodiments, the face segment1226 can have a size that prevents the passage of the face segment 1226through the first opening 1264. Such differences in sizing can at leastassist in retaining the blade component 1204 in assembly with theaugment component 1202. For example, according to certain embodiments,the face segment 1226 can have a length between the opposing back side1236 and front side 1238 of the face segment 1226 that is greater than awidth of a corresponding adjacent portion of the first opening 1264.According to such an embodiment, portions of the inner surface 1254 ofthe augment wall 1222, including, but not limited to, portions of theinner surface 1254 of the augment wall 1222 positioned in the gap 1252between the face segment 1226 and the buttress portion 1206, can atleast assist in preventing the passage of the face segment 1226 throughthe first opening 1264.

The body segment 1224 of the blade component 1204 can also be sized,such as, for example, have a length, to accommodate linear adjustment inthe location of at least the face segment 1226 relative to the augmentcomponent 1202 and/or the acetabular cup or shell 1200. Moreover, suchbody segment 1224 have a length that can accommodate adjusting thelinear location of at least the face segment 1226 such that the facesegment 1226 can be displaced to a location at which at least a portionof the face segment 1226 can abut the acetabular cup or shell 1000. Forexample, the body segment 1224 can have a length between the second end1212 of the buttress portion 1206 and the top side 1250 of the facesegment 1226 that can accommodate at least linear adjustments in thepositioning of the body segment 1224 relative to at least the firstopening 1264 so as to facilitate the face segment 1226 being positionedto contact the acetabular cup or shell 1000.

In the illustrated embodiment, the front side portion 1276 of theaugment wall 1222 can have a configuration that, with at least theexception of the slot 1278, is generally similar to at least theconfiguration of the front side portion 1084 of the augment wall 1028 ofthe augment component 1004 shown in at least FIG. 9E.

FIGS. 11A-11G illustrate an exemplary variable angle blade augment 1300.As depicted, the variable angle blade augment 1300 includes an augmentcomponent 1302 and a blade component 1304. Further, similar to thepreviously discussed blade components, the blade component 1304 is alsosized to engage, or otherwise interface, the acetabular cup or shell1000 when the variable angle blade augment 1300 is operably implanted ina patient.

The blade component 1304 depicted in at least FIGS. 11A, 11F and 11G hasmany features similar to those previously discussed with respect to theblade components 1006, 1204 depicted in at least FIGS. 9A and 10A. Forexample, the blade component 1304 can include a buttress portion 1008having a configuration similar to that discussed with respect to theblade component 1006 discussed with respect to at least FIG. 9A.Further, the neck portion 1306 can include a body segment 1224 similarto that previously discussed with respect to the blade component 1204illustrated in FIG. 10A, although the body segments shown in FIGS. 10Aand 11A are at least depicted as having different overall lengths.

The face segment 1308 of the neck portion 1306 depicted in at leastFIGS. 11A, 11F and 11G can include at least a back side 1310, a frontside 1312, and a bottom side 1314. Further, in view of at least thedifference in length or width between the first and second sidewalls1316, 1318 of the face segment 1308 in relation to the correspondingwidth between sidewalls 1246, 1248 of the body segment 1224, as well asdifference between the back and front sides 1310, 1312 of the facesegment 1308 in relation to the back and front sides 1230, 1232 of thebody segment 1224, the illustrated face segment 1308 can also include atop side 1320.

According to certain embodiments, the face segment 1308 can extendbetween a first sidewall 1316 and a second sidewall 1318. Further, whencompared with the body segment 1224, the relative distance between theback and front sides 1310, 1312 and/or between the first and secondsidewalls 1316, 1318 can provide the neck portion 1306 with at least agenerally “T” shaped appearance in one or more plane (as shown forexample in FIGS. 11A and 11F). However, depending on the shape at oraround the engagement/transition between the body segment 1224 and thebuttress portion 1008, according to certain embodiments, the neckportion 1306 can have a generally “I” beam shaped appearance in at leastone plane.

As shown in at least FIGS. 11F and 11G, according to the certainembodiments, at least a portion of the bottom side 1314 of the facesegment 1308 is contoured to mate the shape of a corresponding surfaceof an acetabular cup or shell 1000 against which the face segment 1308can abut or otherwise contact. For example, according to certainembodiments, the bottom side 1314 of the face segment 1308 can have oneor more contours, such as, for example, one or more radius and/orconcave curvatures, among other shapes and/or contours, along at least aportion, if not approximately all, of the length of the bottom side 1314of the face segment 1308. According to the embodiment illustrated inFIG. 11G, the bottom side 1314 of the face segment 1308 can have one ormore curvatures that provide the bottom side 1314 with a generallyrounded shape. For example, the bottom side 1314 may be generallyrounded in multiple directions, such as, for example, at least betweenthe back and front sides 1310, 1312 and the sidewalls 1316, 1318 of thebottom side 314 of the face segment 1308.

At least FIGS. 11A-11E also illustrate an example of an augmentcomponent 1302 that can be configured to be assembled with the bladecomponent 1304 to provide the variable angle blade augment 1300. Similarto the blade component 1304, the augment component 1302 can incorporatea variety of the previously features of the augment components 1004,1202 that were discussed with respect to at least FIGS. 9A and 10A.

According to the illustrated embodiment, the augment component 1302 cancomprise an augment wall 1322 having an outer surface 1324 and an innersurface 1326. The inner surface 1326 of the augment wall 1322 cangenerally define at least a portion of the internal cavity 1328 of theaugment component 1302. The outer surface 1324 of the augment wall 1322can generally define at least an external shape(s) of the augmentcomponent 1302 as well as provide a variety of different features forthe augment component 1302.

A back side portion 1330 of the augment wall 1322 can include one ormore cement ports 1332 that are in fluid communication with the internalcavity 1328, and, moreover, provide passageways through which cement canbe injected into, or otherwise delivered to, the internal cavity 1328.While the cement ports 1332 can have a variety of shapes, sizes, andconfigurations, similar to the cement ports 1258 illustrated in at leastFIG. 10A, the depicted cement ports 1332 are positioned such that aportion of the wall that defines the passage to the internal cavity 1328provided by the cement ports 1332 extends, or through, the bottom sideportion 1334 of the augment wall 1322.

As shown in at least FIG. 10C, the augment wall 1322 can include a topside portion 1336. According to certain embodiments, at least a portionof the outer surface 1324 of the top side portion 1336 of the augmentwall 1322 can be configured, such as, for example, sized, shaped, and/ororiented, for a mating engagement with, or otherwise for beingpositioned approximately adjacent to, the second end 1212 of thebuttress portion 1008 of the blade component 1304. For example, aspreviously discussed and shown in at least FIG. 11A, the outer surface1324 of the top side portion 1336 of the augment wall 1322 can have arounded, curved, or convex shape that is generally similar to a rounded,curved, or concave shape of at least a portion of the second end 1212 ofthe buttress portion 1008 that can be positioned against, or inpositioned approximately adjacent to, the augment wall 1322.

The top side portion 1336 of the augment wall 1322 can include a firstopening 1338 that is in communication with the internal cavity 1328. Thefirst opening 1338 can be sized to accommodate passage of the bodysegment 1224 of the neck portion 1306 through the first opening 1338 atleast when a portion of the face segment 1308 is operably positioned inthe internal cavity 1328. Further, in at least a manner similar to thatdescribed above with respect to the first opening 1264 and augmentcomponent 1202 shown in at least FIG. 10A, the first opening 1338 can besized to accommodate linear and/or angular adjustment of the position ofthe body segment 1224 within the first opening 1338, and therebyaccommodate a relatively wide range of angulation between the bladecomponent 1304 and the augment component 1302.

According to the depicted embodiment, the first opening 1338 isgenerally defined by an opening wall 1340 that is outwardly tapered asthe opening wall 1340 extends generally from an area adjacent to theinternal cavity 1328 to an area generally adjacent to the top sideportion 1336 of the augment wall 1322. Thus, according to such aconfiguration, the size of the first opening 1338 adjacent to theinternal cavity 1328 may be smaller than the size of the first opening1338 adjacent to the top side portion 1336 of the augment wall 1322.When the body segment 1224 is operably positioned in the first opening1338, such a configuration of the first opening 1338, as well as theshape and/or size of the body segment 1224 between the sidewalls 1246,1248, can at least accommodate pivotal and/or rotational displacement ofthe body segment 1224, and thus of the blade component 1304, relative tothe centered, neutral position of the blade component 1204. Such angularadjustment(s) of the blade component 1304 as well as linear adjustments,relative to the augment component 1302 can be in a manner that issimilar to that previously illustrated and discussed with respect to theexemplary adjustment of the position of the centerline 1268 depicted inFIG. 10A.

The augment wall 1322 also includes a bottom side portion 1334, as shownin at least FIG. 10D that is configured to abut, or otherwise bepositioned proximally adjacent to, the acetabular cup or shell 1000.Additionally, the bottom side portion 1334 of the augment wall 1322 canbe configured to generally define a second opening 1342 in the augmentcomponent 1302. Similar to the previously discussed second openings1108, 1276 the second opening 1342 is in fluid communication with theinternal cavity 1328 and sized to accommodate the face segment 1308 ofthe blade component 1304 being in direct contact with the acetabular cupor shell 1000.

Similar to the augment component 1202 shown in at least FIG. 10A, theaugment component 1302 shown in at least FIGS. 11B-11D includes a slot1344. Although the slots 1278, 1344 of the augment components 1202, 1304can have a similar construction, the first end 1346 of the slot 1344 ofthe augment component 1304 can be positioned at the back side portion1330 of the augment wall 1322. Further, similar to the previouslydiscussed slot 1278, the slot 1344 depicted in at least FIG. 11A canhave tapered slot walls 1350 such that the second end 1348 is largerthan the first end 1346 of the slot 1344. Accordingly, the slot 1344 andthe first opening 1338 can be sized and/or shaped to control theinsertion/removal of the body segment 1224 into/from the slot 1344 andthe first opening 1338 in a manner similar to that previously discussedwith respect to the slot 1278 and first opening 1264. Additionally,similar to the first opening 1264 and face segment 1226 previouslydiscussed, at least the face segment 1308 of the blade component 1302and the first opening 1338 can also have a size and/or shape thatprevents the passage of the face segment 1308 through the first opening1338.

In the illustrated embodiment, the front side portion 1352 of theaugment wall 1322 can have a configuration that, with at least theexception of the slot 1344, is generally similar to at least theconfiguration of the front side portion 1084 of the augment wall 1028 ofthe augment component 1004 shown in at least FIG. 9E.

FIGS. 12A-12G illustrate another exemplary variable angle blade augment1400. As depicted, the variable angle blade augment 1300 includes anaugment component 1402 and a blade component 1006′. For purposes ofdiscussion, the blade component 1006′ illustrated in FIG. 12A isgenerally similar, although shorted in overall length, to the bladecomponent 1006 discussed with respect to at least FIG. 9A. Further,while a least FIGS. 9A, 10A, 11A and 12A illustrate variable angle bladeaugments 1000, 1200, 1300, 1400 comprising particular combinations ofaugment components 1004, 1202, 1302 and blade components 1006, 1006′,1204, 1304, various variable angle blade augments can comprise differentcombinations of augment components 1004, 1202, 1302 and blade components1006, 1006′, 1204, 1304, which can also have a variety of differenceshapes, sizes, and/or features, or combinations thereof.

According to the illustrated embodiment, the augment component 1402 cancomprise an augment wall 1404 having an outer surface 1406 and an innersurface 1408. The inner surface 1408 of the augment wall 1404 cangenerally define at least a portion of the internal cavity 1410 of theaugment component 1402. The outer surface 1406 of the augment wall 1404can generally define at least an external shape(s) of the augmentcomponent 1402 as well as provide a variety of different features forthe augment component 1402. Further, similar to the previously discussedaugment components 1004, 1202, 1302 and associated features, the augmentcomponent 1402 can include a back side portion 1412, a bottom sideportion 1414, top side portion 1416, and a front side portion 1418.

The top side portion 1416 of the augment wall 1404 can include a firstopening 1422 that is at least partially defined by an opening wall 1424and is in communication with at least the internal cavity 1410. Thefirst opening 1422 can be sized to accommodate passage of the bodysegment 1030′ of the neck portion 1306 through the first opening 1422 atleast when a portion of the face segment 1308 is operably positioned inthe internal cavity 1410. According to the illustrated embodiment, thefirst opening 1422 has a generally trapezoidal shape, with thetrapezoidal shape extending outwardly as the first opening 1422 extendsin the general direction of the front side portion 1418 of the augmentwall 1404. Further, in at least a manner similar to that described abovewith respect to at least the first openings 1090, 1264 and augmentcomponents 1004, 1202 shown in at least FIGS. 9A and 10A, the firstopening 1422 can be sized and/or shaped to accommodate linear and/orangular adjustment of the position of the body segment 1030′ within thefirst opening 1422, and thereby accommodate a relatively wide range ofangulation between the blade component 1006′ and the augment component1402. Thus, when the body segment 1030′ is operably positioned in thefirst opening 1422, such a configuration of the first opening 1422, aswell as the shape and/or size of the body segment 1030′ between thesidewalls 1246, 1248, can at least accommodate pivotal and/or rotationaldisplacement of the body segment 1030′, and thus of the blade component1006′, relative to the centered, neutral position of the blade component1204. Such angular adjustment(s) of the blade component 1006′ as well aslinear adjustments, relative to the augment component 1402 can be in amanner that is similar to that previously illustrated and discussed withrespect to the exemplary adjustment of the position of the centerlines1012, 1268 depicted in at least FIGS. 9A and 10A.

As shown in at least FIGS. 12A, 12B and 12D, similar to at least theaugment component 1004 shown in at least FIG. 9A, at least a portion ofthe bone facing sides of the outer surface 1406 of the augment wall1404, such as for example, at least a portion of the top side portion1416 and/or sidewall portions 1426 a, 1426 b of the outer surface 1406of the augment wall 1404 can also include a retention ridge or lip 1428.As previously discussed, the retention lip 1428 can be generallyconfigured to provide a barrier against, or to minimize, the flow, ifany, of cement into the host bone.

The bottom side portion 1414, as shown in at least FIG. 12C, can beconfigured to abut, or otherwise be positioned proximally adjacent to,the acetabular cup or shell 1000, and generally defines a second opening1430 in the augment component 1402. Similar to at least the previouslydiscussed second openings 1108, 1276, the second opening 1430 is influid communication with the internal cavity 1410 and sized toaccommodate the face segment 1032′ of the blade component 1006′ being indirect contact with the acetabular cup or shell 1000.

As shown in at least FIGS. 12A, 12B and 12D, the augment component 1402also includes a slot 1432 that is sized to receive insertion of the facesegment 1032′. However, as shown by FIG. 12A, in the illustratedembodiment, the slot 1432 has a shape and/or configuration that issimilar to that of the face segment 1032′. Thus, according to such anembodiment, the slot 1432 can be a keyway type opening that can limit,and thus control, the insertion of the face segment 1032′ into the slot1432 to a limited number of relative orientations and/or relativepositions between the blade component 1006′ and the augment component1402. Moreover, by configuring the slot 1432 to have both a similarshape and size as a particular profile of the face portion 1030′, theface portion 1030′ may not be able to pass through the slot 1432 unlessthe face segment 1032′ is linearly aligned with the slot 1432 and has anangular orientation(s) that can facilitate passage of the face portionface segment 1032′ through the slot 1432.

In the illustrated embodiment, the slot 1432 is positioned about atleast a portion of the back side portion 1412 of the augment wall 1404,and at a location that is proximately adjacent to the top side portion1416 of the augment wall 1404. Additionally, the slot 1432 can extendthrough a portion of the top side portion 1416 of the augment wall 1404so as to accommodate for the passage of at least a portion of the bodysegment 1030′ through the slot and to first opening 1422. Thus, the slot1432 is in communication with the first opening 1422, as well as withthe internal cavity 1410 so that the face segment 1032′ can pass throughthe slot 1432 and into the internal cavity 1410.

The back side portion 1412 of the augment wall 1404 can also include oneor more cement ports 1420 that are in fluid communication with theinternal cavity 1410, and, moreover, provide passageways through whichcement can be injected into, or otherwise delivered to, the internalcavity 1410. The cement ports 1420 can have a variety of shapes, sizes,and configurations. Further, while the cement ports 1420 can bepositioned at a variety of locations, the depicted cement ports 1420 arepositioned such that a portion of the wall that defines the passage tothe internal cavity 1410 provided by the cement ports 1420 extendsthrough the augment wall 1404 and into the slot 1432 the top sideportion 1416 of the augment wall 1404.

FIGS. 13A-13E illustrate another exemplary augment component 1500 thatcan be used with a variety of different blade components 1006, 1006′,1204, 1304. According to the illustrated embodiment, the augmentcomponent 1500 can comprise an augment wall 1502 having an outer surface1504 and an inner surface 1506. The inner surface 1506 of the augmentwall 1502 can generally define at least a portion of the internal cavity1508 of the augment component 1500. The outer surface 1504 of theaugment wall 1502 can generally define at least an external shape(s) ofthe augment component 1500 as well as provide a variety of differentfeatures for the augment component 1500. Further, similar to thepreviously discussed augment components 1004, 1202, 1302 and associatedfeatures, the augment component 1500 can include a back side portion1510, a bottom side portion 1512, top side portion 1514, and a frontside portion 1516.

As shown in at least FIG. 13C, the top side portion 1514 of the augmentwall 1502 can include a first opening 1518 that is at least partiallydefined by an opening wall 1520 and is in communication with at leastthe internal cavity 1508. The first opening 1518 can be sized toaccommodate passage of the body segment 1030, 1030′, 1224 of the neckportion 1010, 1208, 1306 through the first opening 1518 at least when aportion of the face segment 1032, 1032′, 1226, 1308 is operablypositioned in the internal cavity 1508. According to the illustratedembodiment, the first opening 1518 has a generally trapezoidal shape,with the trapezoidal shape extending outwardly as the first opening 1518extends in the general direction of the front side portion 1516 of theaugment wall 1502. Further, in at least a manner similar to thatdescribed above with respect to at least the first openings 1090, 1264and augment components 1004, 1202 shown in at least FIGS. 9A and 10A,the first opening 1518 can be sized and/or shaped to accommodate linearand/or angular adjustment of the position of the body segment 1030,1030′, 1224 within the first opening 1518, and thereby accommodate arelatively wide range of angulation between the blade component 1006′and the augment component 1500. Thus, when the body segment 1030, 1030′,1224 is operably positioned in the first opening 1518, such aconfiguration of the first opening 1518, as well as the shape and/orsize of the body segment 1030, 1030′, 1224 can at least accommodatepivotal and/or rotational displacement of the body segment 1030, 1030′,1224, and thus of the blade component 1006′, relative to the centered,neutral position of the blade component 1006, 1006′, 1204, 1304 orsimilar central, neutral position of the blade component 1006, 1006′,1204, 1304. Such angular adjustment(s) of the blade component 1006′ aswell as linear adjustments, relative to the augment component 1500 canbe in a manner that is similar to that previously illustrated anddiscussed with respect to the exemplary adjustment of the position ofthe centerlines 1012, 1268 depicted in at least FIGS. 9A and 10A.

Additionally, similar to the previously discussed first openings 1090,1264, 1338, 1422 and face segments 1032, 1032′, 1226, 1308, at least thefirst opening 1528 of the augment component 1500 depicted in at leastFIG. 13A can also have a size and/or shape that prevents the passage ofthe face segment 1032, 1032′, 1226, 1308 through the first opening 1338.

The bottom side portion 1512, as shown in at least FIG. 12D, can beconfigured to abut, or otherwise be positioned proximally adjacent to,the acetabular cup or shell 1000, and generally defines a second opening1522 in the augment component 1500. Similar to at least the previouslydiscussed second openings 1108, 1276, the second opening 1522 is influid communication with the internal cavity 1508 and sized toaccommodate the face segment 1032, 1032′, 1226, 1308 of the bladecomponent 1006, 1006′, 1204, 1304 being in direct contact with theacetabular cup or shell 1000.

As shown in at least FIGS. 13A-13D, the augment component 1500 alsoincludes a slot 1524 that is sized to receive insertion of the bodysegment 1030, 1030′, 1224. Similar to at least the slot 1344 depicted inFIG. 11A, the slot 1524 can be positioned at the back side portion 1510of the augment wall 1502. Further, according to certain embodiments, thepassage provided by the slot 1524 to at least the first opening 1518 canbe generally defined by tapered slot walls 1350 such that a second end1526 of the slot 1524 is larger than the first end 1528 of the slot1524. Accordingly, the slot 1524 and the first opening 1528 can, besized and/or shaped, among other shapes and configurations, to controlthe insertion/removal of the body segment 1030, 1030′, 1224 into/fromthe slot 1524 and the first opening 1528 in a manner similar to thatpreviously discussed with respect to the slots 1278, 1344 and firstopening 1264, 1346. However, the slot 1524 can also be sized to receivethe body segment 1030, 1030′, 1224 in a variety of other manners.

Additionally, as shown in at least FIG. 13A, in addition to the taperedwalls 1530 being generally tapered in the direction of the first opening1518, at least a portion of the tapered walls 1530, as indicate bytapered wall segments 1530 a can also be outwardly tapered in thegeneral direction of the top side portion 1514 of augment wall 1502.

The modular variable blade augments 1002, 1200, 1300, 1400 can beimplanted in a patient using a variety of different methods ortechniques. For example, according to certain embodiments in which theaugment component 1004, 1202, 1302, 1500 and the blade component 1006,1006′, 1204, 1304 are separate components that are assembled during theimplantation procedure, the augment component 1004, 1202, 1302, 1500 andthe blade component 1006, 1006′, 1204, 1304 can be implanted orotherwise positioned in the patient prior to implantation of theacetabular cup or shell 1000. According to such an method, afterpreparation of the acetabulum and any bone defects or other bone lossesin the area, trial components for both of the acetabular cup or shell1000 and the blade component 1006, 1006′, 1204, 1304 can be used to atleast assist in determining a sizing and positioning of at least thoseimplant devices. With the sizing and positioning generally determined,and the trial component for the blade component can be replaced by ablade component 1006, 1006′, 1204, 1304 having the selected size that isto be implanted in the patient. The selected blade component 1006,1006′, 1204, 1304 can then be placed at the determined position alongthe host bone. Further, optionally, as discussed above, the bladecomponent 1006, 1006′, 1204, 1304 can have one or more provisional holesthat can receive a provisional pin that is driven into at least aportion of the bone of the patient so as to at least assist intemporarily securing the blade component 1006, 1006′, 1204, 1304 at theselected position.

With the blade component 1006, 1006′, 1204, 1304 at the selectedposition, and which may be at least temporarily secured at that positionvia the use of the provisional pin(s), the augment component 1004, 1202,1302, 1500 can be positioned so that at least the body segment 1030,1030′, 1224 is positioned in the first opening 1090, 1264, 1338, 1422,1518 of the augment component 1004, 1202, 1302, 1500. With the augmentcomponent 1004, 1202, 1302, 1500 at a selected position relative to atleast the blade component 1006, 1006′, 1204, 1304, the position of theaugment component 1004, 1202, 1302, 1500 can be secured by the placementof provisional pins through the provisional holes 1078 in the augmentcomponent 1004, 1202, 1302, 1500 that extend into at least a portion ofthe bone. Such securing of the positioning of the augment component1004, 1202, 1302, 1500 can also at least assist in re-establishing theacetabular rim.

With the augment component 1004, 1202, 1302, 1500 positioned about theblade component 1006, 1006′, 1204, 1304 and secured in position by atleast the use of the provisional pin(s), the trial acetabular cup orshell can be removed and replaced by the acetabular cup or shell 1000that will be implanted into the patient. According to such a procedure,after removal of the trial acetabular cup or shell, the acetabular cupor shell 1000 that is to be implanted into the patient can be impactedand fixed into position in/along the host bone. With the acetabular cupor shell 1000 fixed in position, the position of the augment component1004, 1202, 1302, 1500 and/or the blade component 1006, 1006′, 1204,1304 can be verified. Such verification can, according to certainembodiments, include determining that the augment component 1004, 1202,1302, 1500 and/or the blade component 1006, 1006′, 1204, 1304 areproperly positioned, which can include confirming that at least aportion of the blade component 1006, 1006′, 1204, 1304, such as the facesegment 1032, 1032′, 1226, 1308, is in direct contact with theacetabular cup or shell 1000. With the positions of the components ofthe modular variable blade augments 1002, 1200, 1300, 1400 verified andthe acetabular cup or shell 1000 fixed in position, locking and/ornon-locking bone screws can be received into the fixation holes 1024 inthe blade component 1006, 1006′, 1204, 1304 and into the host bone so asto at least partially secure the blade component 1006, 1006′, 1204, 1304at the selected position on the host bone. Fixation material, such asbone cement, can then be injected into the augment component 1004, 1202,1302, 1500, such as into the internal cavity 1048, 1234, 1328, 1410,1508, so as to unitize the components of the modular variable bladeaugments 1002, 1200, 1300, 1400 and the acetabular cup or shell 1000.Such fixation material can also be used to fill in space, if any,remaining at the top of the augment component 1004, 1202, 1302, 1500.

According to other embodiments in which the augment component 1004,1202, 1302, 1500 and the blade component 1006, 1006′, 1204, 1304 areseparate components that are assembled during the implantationprocedure, the acetabular cup or shell 1000 can be implanted orotherwise positioned in the patient prior to implantation of the augmentcomponent 1004, 1202, 1302, 1500 and the blade component 1006, 1006′,1204, 1304. According to such an method, after preparation of theacetabulum and any bone defects or other bone losses in the area, trialcomponents for both of the acetabular cup or shell 1000 and the bladecomponent 1006, 1006′, 1204, 1304 can be used to at least assist indetermining a sizing and positioning of at least those implant devices.With the sizing and positioning generally determined, the trialcomponent for the acetabular cup or shell 1000 can be replaced with theacetabular cup or shell 1000 that will be implanted. The acetabular cupor shell 1000 can then be impacted and fixed into position in/along thehost bone.

With the acetabular cup or shell 1000 fixed in position, the componentsof the modular variable blade augments 1002, 1200, 1300, 1400 can beassembled and placed into position. For example, the trial bladecomponent can be removed and replaced with a blade component 1006,1006′, 1204, 1304 having a selected size. Moreover, the selected bladecomponent 1006, 1006′, 1204, 1304 can be placed at the determinedposition along the host bone. Further, optionally, as discussed above,the blade component 1006, 1006′, 1204, 1304 can have one or moreprovisional holes that can receive a provisional pin that is driven intoat least a portion of the bone of the patient so as to at least assistin temporarily securing the blade component 1006, 1006′, 1204, 1304 atthe selected position. Such positioning can include positioning theblade component 1006, 1006′, 1204, 1304 such that at least a portion ofthe blade component 1006, 1006′, 1204, 1304, such as the face segment1032, 1032′, 1226, 1308, is in direct contact with the acetabular cup orshell 1000. The augment component 1004, 1202, 1302, 1500 can then bepositioned so that at least the body segment 1030, 1030′, 1224 ispositioned in the first opening 1090, 1264, 1338, 1422, 1518 of theaugment component 1004, 1202, 1302, 1500. With the augment component1004, 1202, 1302, 1500 at a selected position relative to at least theblade component 1006, 1006′, 1204, 1304, the position of the augmentcomponent 1004, 1202, 1302, 1500 can be secured by the placement ofprovisional pins through the provisional holes 1078 in the augmentcomponent 1004, 1202, 1302, 1500 that extend into at least a portion ofthe bone. The position of the augment component 1004, 1202, 1302, 1500and/or the blade component 1006, 1006′, 1204, 1304 can then be verified,which can include verifying that the face segment 1032, 1032′, 1226,1308 of the blade component 1006, 1006′, 1204, 1304 is in direct contactwith the acetabular cup or shell 1000.

With the positions of the components of the modular variable bladeaugments 1002, 1200, 1300, 1400 verified and the acetabular cup or shell1000 fixed in position, locking and/or non-locking bone screws can bereceived into the fixation holes 1024 in the blade component 1006,1006′, 1204, 1304 and into the host bone so as to at least partiallysecure the blade component 1006, 1006′, 1204, 1304 at the selectedposition on the host bone. Fixation material, such as bone cement, canthen be injected into the augment component 1004, 1202, 1302, 1500, suchas into the internal cavity 1048, 1234, 1328, 1410, 1508, so as tounitize the components of the modular variable blade augments 1002,1200, 1300, 1400 and the acetabular cup or shell 1000. Such fixationmaterial can also be used to fill in space, if any, remaining at the topof the augment component 1004, 1202, 1302, 1500.

In one form of the invention, an implantable variable angle bladeaugment is provided to support an acetabular shell, and includes a bladecomponent and an augment component. The blade component includes abuttress portion and a neck portion, with the neck portion having a bodysegment and a face segment. The augment component having a first openingextending through a top side portion of the augment component and asecond opening extending through a bottom side portion of the augmentcomponent, the first opening and the second opening being on opposingsides of, and in fluid communication with, an internal cavity of theaugment component, the first opening sized to accommodate selectiveadjustment of at least one of a linear orientation and an angularorientation of the blade component relative to the augment componentwhen the body segment is positioned in the first opening, the neckportion having a length that is sized to position, when the body segmentis positioned in the first opening, the face segment at a location atleast proximally adjacent to the second opening such that, when thebottom side portion is positioned adjacent to the acetabular shell, aportion of the face segment directly engages an outer surface of theacetabular shell.

In another form of the invention, an implant system is provided whichincludes an acetabular shell having an outer surface, and a variableblade augment. The variable blade augment includes a blade component andan augment component. The blade component has a buttress portion and aneck portion, with the neck portion having a body segment and a facesegment. The augment component has a first opening extending through atop side portion of the augment component and a second opening extendingthrough a bottom side portion of the augment component, with the top andbottom sides being on opposing sides of the augment component, and withthe bottom side shaped for mating engagement with the outer surface ofthe acetabular shell. The first opening and the second opening are influid communication with an internal cavity of the augment component,with the first opening sized and shaped to receive at least a portion ofthe body segment and accommodate selective adjustment of at least one ofa linear orientation and an angular orientation of the blade componentrelative to the augment component when the body segment is positioned inthe first opening. The neck portion has a length that is sized to extendthe body segment through the first opening and into the internal cavityby a length that positions a portion of the face segment at a locationthat is at least proximally adjacent to the second opening such that,when the bottom side portion is positioned adjacent to the acetabularshell, a portion of the face segment directly contacts the outer surfaceof the acetabular shell.

In a further form of the invention, a variable angle blade augment isprovided and which includes an augment section and a blade segment. Theaugment section is structured to abut against at least an outer surfaceof a component of an implantable medical device, and with a reservoir ofthe augment section structured to receive injection of an adhesive thatis configured to unitize at least the augment section with the componentof the implantable medical device. The blade segment includes a bodysegment and an extension, with the extension having a first connectoradapted for pivotal displacement about an aperture of the augmentsection, and with at least a portion of the first connector structuredto be secured to the augment section by a mechanical connection, andwherein at least a portion of the blade segment has a length sized toextend through the augment section and directly contact the component ofthe implantable medical device.

In one aspect of the invention, the first opening includes a firstsidewall and a second sidewall, with the first and second sidewallspositioned on opposing sides of the first opening, wherein a portion ofthe first sidewall is separated from the second sidewall by a lineardistance having a length sized to receive passage of the face segmentthrough the first opening, and wherein linear distances between otherportions of the first and second sidewalls cannot accommodate passage ofthe face portion through the first opening.

In another aspect of the invention, the first sidewall includes a notchthat outwardly extends from a portion of the first sidewall, and withthe linear distance between a portion of the notch and the secondsidewall having the length sized to receive passage of the face segmentthrough the first opening.

In a further aspect of the invention, the face segment has a lengthbetween a first sidewall and a second sidewall of the face segment thatis greater than the linear distance between a portion of the notch andthe second sidewall that is sized receive passage of the face segmentthrough the first opening, and wherein at least a portion of the portionof the face segment that is contoured for the mating engagement with theacetabular shell being positioned between the first and second sidewallsof the face segment.

In a further aspect of the invention, the at least a portion of a bonefacing outer surface of the augment component includes a retention lipthat at least outwardly projects from another proximally adjacentportion of the bone facing outer surface, and wherein the retention lipis structured to provide a barrier to a flow of bone cement.

In a further aspect of the invention, the neck portion further includesa ridge that extends along a length of an outer surface of at least aportion of the body segment, and with the ridge outwardly projectingfrom adjacent portions of the outer surface and structured to enhance astrength of the neck portion when the neck portion is subjected to abending moment.

In a further aspect of the invention, the augment component furtherdefines at least one cement delivery port in fluid communication withthe internal cavity.

In a further aspect of the invention, the augment component includes aslot that extends through an outer surface of the augment component ateither a back side portion or a front side portion of the augmentcomponent, wherein the slot is in fluid communication with the firstopening, and wherein the first opening is sized to prevent passage ofthe face segment through the first opening.

In a further aspect of the invention, the body segment includes a backside, a front side, a first sidewall, and a second sidewall, with thefirst and second sidewalls positioned on opposing sides of the bodysegment and separated by a first width, and the back and front sidespositioned on opposing sides of the body segment and separated by asecond width, and wherein the slot is sized to accommodate passage ofthe body segment to the first opening for only one of the first andsecond widths.

In a further aspect of the invention, the slot is defined by a firstslot wall and a second slot wall, with the first and second slot wallsbeing tapered from a first end to a second end, and a distance betweenthe first and second slot walls at the first end being lesser than adistance between the first and second sidewalls at the second end, andwherein the first end is smaller than only one of the first and secondwidths of the body segment.

In a further aspect of the invention, the at least a portion of thefirst and second slot walls are tapered in at least two differentdirections.

In a further aspect of the invention, the augment component includes aslot having a shape that mates with a profile of the face segment, andwith the slot being in fluid communication with the first opening andthe internal cavity of the augment component.

Various features and advantages of the present invention are set forthin the following claims. Additionally, changes and modifications to thedescribed embodiments described herein will be apparent to those skilledin the art, and such changes and modifications can be made withoutdeparting from the spirit and scope of the present invention and withoutdiminishing its intended advantages. While the present invention hasbeen illustrated and described in detail in the drawings and foregoingdescription, the same is to be considered illustrative and notrestrictive in character, it being understood that only selectedembodiments have been shown and described and that all changes,equivalents, and modifications that come within the scope of theinventions described herein or defined by the following claims aredesired to be protected.

While the invention has been described with reference to certainembodiments, it should be understood by those skilled in the art thatvarious changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted withoutdeparting from the scope of the invention. In addition, manymodifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material tothe teachings of the invention without departing from its scope.Therefore, it is intended that the invention not be limited to theparticular embodiment disclosed, but that the invention will include allembodiments falling within the scope of the appended claims.

1. An implantable variable angle blade augment structured to support anacetabular shell, the variable angle blade augment comprising: a bladecomponent having a buttress portion and a neck portion, the neck portionhaving a body segment and a face segment; and an augment componenthaving a first opening extending through a top side portion of theaugment component and a second opening extending through a bottom sideportion of the augment component, the first opening and the secondopening being on opposing sides of, and in fluid communication with, aninternal cavity of the augment component, the first opening sized toaccommodate selective adjustment of at least one of a linear orientationand an angular orientation of the blade component relative to theaugment component when the body segment is positioned in the firstopening, the neck portion having a length that is sized to position,when the body segment is positioned in the first opening, the facesegment at a location at least proximally adjacent to the second openingsuch that, when the bottom side portion is positioned adjacent to theacetabular shell, a portion of the face segment directly engages anouter surface of the acetabular shell.
 2. The variable angle bladeaugment of claim 1, wherein the first opening includes a first sidewalland a second sidewall, the first and second sidewalls positioned onopposing sides of the first opening, wherein a portion of the firstsidewall is separated from the second sidewall by a linear distancehaving a length sized to receive passage of the face segment through thefirst opening, and further wherein linear distances between otherportions of the first and second sidewalls cannot accommodate passage ofthe face portion through the first opening.
 3. The variable angle bladeaugment of claim 2, wherein the first sidewall includes a notch thatoutwardly extends from a portion of the first sidewall, the lineardistance between a portion of the notch and the second sidewall havingthe length sized to receive passage of the face segment through thefirst opening.
 4. The variable angle blade augment of claim 3, whereinthe face segment has a length between a first sidewall and a secondsidewall of the face segment that is greater than the linear distancebetween a portion of the notch and the second sidewall that is sizedreceive passage of the face segment through the first opening, andwherein at least a portion of the portion of the face segment that iscontoured for the mating engagement with the acetabular shell beingpositioned between the first and second sidewalls of the face segment.5. The variable angle blade augment of claim 2, wherein at least aportion of a bone facing outer surface of the augment component includesa retention lip that at least outwardly projects from another proximallyadjacent portion of the bone facing outer surface, and wherein theretention lip is structured to provide a barrier to a flow of bonecement.
 6. The variable angle blade augment of claim 2, wherein the neckportion further includes a ridge that extends along a length of an outersurface of at least a portion of the body segment, the ridge outwardlyprojecting from adjacent portions of the outer surface and structured toenhance a strength of the neck portion when the neck portion issubjected to a bending moment.
 7. The variable angle blade augment ofclaim 2, wherein the augment component further defines at least onecement delivery port in fluid communication with the internal cavity. 8.The variable angle blade augment of claim 2, wherein the augmentcomponent includes a slot that extends through an outer surface of theaugment component at either a back side portion or a front side portionof the augment component, the slot being in fluid communication with thefirst opening, and wherein the first opening is sized to prevent passageof the face segment through the first opening.
 9. The variable angleblade augment of claim 8, wherein the body segment includes a back side,a front side, a first sidewall, and a second sidewall, the first andsecond sidewalls positioned on opposing sides of the body segment andseparated by a first width, the back and front sides positioned onopposing sides of the body segment and separated by a second width, andwherein the slot is sized to accommodate passage of the body segment tothe first opening for only one of the first and second widths.
 10. Thevariable angle blade augment of claim 9, wherein the slot is defined bya first slot wall and a second slot wall, the first and second slotwalls being tapered from a first end to a second end, a distance betweenthe first and second slot walls at the first end being lesser than adistance between the first and second sidewalls at the second end, andwherein the first end is smaller than only one of the first and secondwidths of the body segment.
 11. The variable angle blade augment ofclaim 10, wherein at least a portion of the first and second slot wallsare tapered in at least two different directions.
 12. The variable angleblade augment of claim 2, wherein the augment component includes a slothaving a shape that mates with a profile of the face segment, the slotbeing in fluid communication with the first opening and the internalcavity of the augment component.
 13. An implant system, comprising: anacetabular shell having an outer surface; and a variable blade augmentincluding: a blade component having a buttress portion and a neckportion, the neck portion having a body segment and a face segment; andan augment component having a first opening extending through a top sideportion of the augment component and a second opening extending througha bottom side portion of the augment component, the top and bottom sidesbeing on opposing sides of the augment component, the bottom side shapedfor mating engagement with the outer surface of the acetabular shell,the first opening and the second opening being in fluid communicationwith an internal cavity of the augment component, the first openingsized and shaped to receive at least a portion of the body segment andaccommodate selective adjustment of at least one of a linear orientationand an angular orientation of the blade component relative to theaugment component when the body segment is positioned in the firstopening, the neck portion having a length that is sized to extend thebody segment through the first opening and into the internal cavity by alength that positions a portion of the face segment at a location thatis at least proximally adjacent to the second opening such that, whenthe bottom side portion is positioned adjacent to the acetabular shell,a portion of the face segment directly contacts the outer surface of theacetabular shell.
 14. The implant system of claim 13, wherein the firstopening includes a first sidewall and a second sidewall, the first andsecond sidewalls positioned on opposing sides of the first opening,wherein a portion of the first sidewall is separated from the secondsidewall by a linear distance having a length sized to receive passageof the face segment through the first opening, and further whereinlinear distances between other portions of the first and secondsidewalls cannot accommodate passage of the face portion through thefirst opening.
 15. The implant system of claim 14, wherein the facesegment has a length between a first sidewall and a second sidewall ofthe face segment that is greater than a linear distance between aportion of the first and second sidewalls that is sized to receivepassage of the face segment through the first opening, and wherein atleast a portion of the portion of the face segment that is contoured forthe mating engagement with the outer surface of the acetabular shell ispositioned between the first and second sidewalls of the face segment.16. The implant system of claim 13, wherein at least a portion of a bonefacing outer surface of the augment component includes a retention lipthat at least outwardly projects from another proximally adjacentportion of the bone facing outer surface, and wherein the retention lipis structured to provide a barrier to a flow of bone cement.
 17. Theimplant system of claim 13, wherein the neck portion further includes aridge that extends along a length of an outer surface of at least aportion of the body segment, the ridge outwardly projecting fromadjacent portions of the outer surface and structured to enhance astrength of the neck portion when the neck portion is subjected to abending moment.
 18. The implant system of claim 13, wherein the augmentcomponent includes at least one cement delivery port in fluidcommunication with the internal cavity.
 19. The implant system of claim13, wherein the augment component includes a slot that extends throughan outer surface of the augment component at either a back side portionor a front side portion of the augment component, wherein the slot is influid communication with the first opening, and wherein the firstopening is sized to prevent passage of the face segment through thefirst opening.
 20. The implant system of claim 19, wherein the bodysegment includes a back side, a front side, a first sidewall, and asecond sidewall, the first and second sidewalls positioned on opposingsides of the body segment and separated by a first width, the back andfront sides positioned on opposing sides of the body segment andseparated by a second width, and wherein the slot is sized toaccommodate passage of the body segment to the first opening for onlyone of the first and second widths.
 21. The implant system of claim 20,wherein the slot is defined by a first slot wall and a second slot wall,the first and second slot walls being tapered from a first end to asecond end, a distance between the first and second slot walls at thefirst end being lesser than a distance between the first and secondsidewalls at the second end, and wherein the first end is smaller thanonly one of the first and second widths of the body segment.
 22. Theimplant system of claim 21, wherein at least a portion of the first andsecond slot walls are tapered in two different directions.
 23. Theimplant system of claim 13, wherein the augment component includes aslot having a shape that mates with a profile of the face segment, andwherein the slot is in fluid communication with the first opening andthe internal cavity of the augment component.
 24. A variable angle bladeaugment, comprising: an augment section structured to abut against atleast an outer surface of a component of an implantable medical device,a reservoir of the augment section structured to receive injection of anadhesive that is configured to unitize at least the augment section withthe component of the implantable medical device; and a blade segmentincluding a body segment and an extension, the extension having a firstconnector adapted for pivotal displacement about an aperture of theaugment section, wherein at least a portion of the first connector isstructured to be secured to the augment section by a mechanicalconnection, and further wherein at least a portion of the blade segmenthas a length sized to extend through the augment section and directlycontact the component of the implantable medical device.